Method and system for providing a customized cost structure for pay-as-you-go pre-paid professional services

ABSTRACT

One embodiment provides a method comprising generating a first graphical user interface (GUI) for display on an electronic device. The first GUI comprises data indicative of at least one professional service available for selection. The method comprises receiving, from the electronic device, a request to initiate a professional service selected from the first GUI. The method further comprises generating a second GUI for display on the electronic device. The second GUI comprises a customized questionnaire for collecting information relevant to the professional service selected. The method further comprises receiving, from the electronic device, user responses to the customized questionnaire, and initiating an analysis of the user responses. A communication indicative of the analysis is forwarded to the electronic device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/911,257, filed on Jun. 24, 2020, and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/911,255, filed on Jun. 24, 2020, both ofwhich in turn claim priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/428,752, filed on May 31, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,733,584, issuedon Aug. 4, 2020, which in turn claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/254,461, filed on Sep. 1, 2016, now U.S. Pat.No. 10,366,376, issued on Jul. 30, 2019, which in turn claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/213,215, filed onSep. 2, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/281,086, filed on Jan. 20, 2016, all incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

One or more embodiments relate generally to an online service provider,and in particular, a method and system for providing pay-as-you-gopre-paid professional services.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, a provider of professional services (e.g., a provider oflegal services such as an attorney or a law firm, a provider ofaccounting services such as an accountant or an accounting firm,architects, public relations professionals, etc.) dictates the amount oftime spent and service fees associated with professional servicesrendered to a client. They usually bill at a certain increment on thebillable hour model.

For example, when an attorney performs legal services for a client, theamount of legal service fees the client is billed may be based onmultiple factors, such as the total amount of time spent by the attorneyconsulting with the client and then preparing documents, attendingmeetings or conducting other work, the complexity of the legal servicesperformed, the hourly rate of the attorney, etc. The client may havelittle or no input with regards to controlling the costs or feesassociated with the legal services being performed.

Alternatively, sometimes professionals quote flat fees for specificservices. However, again, this effort is simply an attempt by theprofessional to model the projected time they are going to dedicate to aproject. It is inaccurate and completely within the professional'scontrol. The client is not able to define the amount of time they wantthe professional to dedicate to the project nor even the amount of timethat the professional is consulting with the client.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One embodiment provides a method comprising generating a first graphicaluser interface (GUI) for display on an electronic device. The first GUIcomprises data indicative of at least one professional service availablefor selection. The method comprises receiving, from the electronicdevice, a request to initiate a professional service selected from thefirst GUI. The method further comprises generating a second GUI fordisplay on the electronic device. The second GUI comprises a customizedquestionnaire for collecting information relevant to the professionalservice selected. The method further comprises receiving, from theelectronic device, user responses to the customized questionnaire, andinitiating an analysis of the user responses. A communication indicativeof the analysis is forwarded to the electronic device.

Another embodiment provides a system comprising at least one processorand a non-transitory processor-readable memory device storinginstructions that when executed by the at least one processor causes theat least one processor to perform operations including generating afirst graphical user interface (GUI) for display on an electronicdevice. The first GUI comprises data indicative of at least oneprofessional service available for selection. The operations furthercomprise receiving, from the electronic device, a request to initiate aprofessional service selected from the first GUI. The operations furthercomprise generating a second GUI for display on the electronic device.The second GUI comprises a customized questionnaire for collectinginformation relevant to the professional service selected. Theoperations further comprise receiving, from the electronic device, userresponses to the customized questionnaire, and initiating an analysis ofthe user responses. A communication indicative of the analysis isforwarded to the electronic device.

One embodiment provides a method comprising receiving, from anelectronic device, a request to access a dashboard for an onlineaccount, and generating a graphical user interface (GUI) comprising thedashboard for display on the electronic device. The dashboard providesservice history information for the online account. The service historyinformation comprises a list of one or more professional servicesassociated with the online account and a status of each professionalservice of the list.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become understood with reference to the followingdescription, appended claims and accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion ofthe specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, andadvantages of the invention are apparent from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 200 for providing pay-as-you-gopre-paid professional services, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates the system 200 in detail, in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates the storage devices 220 in detail, in accordance withan embodiment;

FIG. 4A illustrates an example sign in graphical user interface (GUI)710, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4B illustrates another example sign in GUI 715, in accordance withan embodiment;

FIG. 5A illustrates an example registration GUI 700, in accordance withan embodiment;

FIG. 5B illustrates another example registration GUI 705, in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example search GUI 810, in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example request GUI 720, in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 8A illustrates an example questionnaire GUI 730, in accordance withan embodiment;

FIGS. 8B-8I illustrate other example questionnaires GUIs 750-757, inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example scheduling GUI 840, in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 10A illustrates an example payment GUI 740, in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 10B illustrates another example payment GUI 760, in accordance withan embodiment;

FIG. 11A illustrates an example virtual consultation GUI 450 for aclient user 400, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 11B illustrates an example virtual consultation GUI 550 for aservice representative user 500, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates an example ratings GUI 820, in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 13A illustrates an example dashboard 770, in accordance with anembodiment;

FIGS. 13B-13C illustrates other example dashboards 800 and 805, inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 13D illustrates an example pop-up window 1000, in accordance withan embodiment;

FIG. 14A illustrates an example detailed information GUI 830, inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 14B illustrates another example detailed information GUI 850, inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 15A illustrates an example account details GUI 510, in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 15B illustrates another example account details GUI 530, inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 900 for processinga login request, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 910 for processinga request for a professional service, in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 920 for processinga request to access a dashboard for an online account, in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 940 for processinga request to prepare and file a trademark application, in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 960 for adapting aquestionnaire to collect information for preparing and filing atrademark application, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention; and

FIG. 21 is a high-level block diagram showing an information processingsystem comprising a computer system 600 useful for implementing thedisclosed embodiments.

The detailed description explains the preferred embodiments of theinvention together with advantages and features, by way of example withreference to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments relate generally to an online service provider,and in particular, a method and system for providing pay-as-you-gopre-paid professional services. One embodiment provides a methodcomprising generating a first graphical user interface (GUI) for displayon an electronic device. The first GUI comprises data indicative of atleast one professional service available for selection. The methodcomprises receiving, from the electronic device, a request to initiate aprofessional service selected from the first GUI. The method furthercomprises generating a second GUI for display on the electronic device.The second GUI comprises a customized questionnaire for collectinginformation relevant to the professional service selected. The methodfurther comprises receiving, from the electronic device, user responsesto the customized questionnaire, and initiating an analysis of the userresponses. A communication indicative of the analysis is forwarded tothe electronic device.

Another embodiment provides a system comprising at least one processorand a non-transitory processor-readable memory device storinginstructions that when executed by the at least one processor causes theat least one processor to perform operations including generating afirst graphical user interface (GUI) for display on an electronicdevice. The first GUI comprises data indicative of at least oneprofessional service available for selection. The operations furthercomprise receiving, from the electronic device, a request to initiate aprofessional service selected from the first GUI. The operations furthercomprise generating a second GUI for display on the electronic device.The second GUI comprises a customized questionnaire for collectinginformation relevant to the professional service selected. Theoperations further comprise receiving, from the electronic device, userresponses to the customized questionnaire, and initiating an analysis ofthe user responses. A communication indicative of the analysis isforwarded to the electronic device.

One embodiment provides a method comprising receiving, from anelectronic device, a request to access a dashboard for an onlineaccount, and generating a graphical user interface (GUI) comprising thedashboard for display on the electronic device. The dashboard providesservice history information for the online account. The service historyinformation comprises a list of one or more professional servicesassociated with the online account and a status of each professionalservice of the list.

One embodiment provides a web site that allows a user (e.g., a client)requesting a professional service to actively control different aspectsof the professional service requested. The user may select, via the website, a particular professional/service provider from differentprofessionals/service providers to perform the professional servicerequested. The user may also manage, via the web site, fees associatedwith the professional service requested. For example, the user mayschedule a virtual consultation/appointment with a selectedprofessional/service provider for a pre-determined amount of time with avisible cost structure, thereby directly controlling a length of thescheduled consultation/appointment to manage costs associated with theprofessional service requested.

For expository purposes, the term “professional services” as used hereinrefers to services requiring performance of an individual with specialtraining or holding a professional license. Examples of professionalservices include, but are not limited to, architectural servicesperformed by architects, auditing services performed by auditors,engineering services performed by engineers, medical services performedby doctors/physicians, legal services performed by attorneys andparalegals, tax services performed by tax professionals and accountants,etc. The term “user” as used herein refers to a user utilizing a website provided by one embodiment.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 200 for providing pay-as-you-gopre-paid professional services, in accordance with an embodiment. Thesystem 200 comprises one or more server devices 210 and one or morestorage devices 220. The storage devices 220 may maintain one or moredatabases 225. As described in detail later herein, one or moreapplications 215 may execute/operate on the server devices 210 toprovide an online service web site 100 that offers and providespay-as-you-go pre-paid professional services.

As described in detail later herein, in one embodiment, the web site 100allows a client to select a particular professional service, select aparticular professional/service provider for the selected professionalservice from a group of different professionals/service providers,schedule a virtual consultation with the selected professional/serviceprovider for a pre-determined amount of time with a visible coststructure, and control duration of the scheduled virtual consultation tomanage costs associated with the selected professional service.

In one embodiment, the web site 100 offers and provides pay-as-you-gopre-paid legal services (e.g., legal services associated withregistration of a trademark, such as preparing and filing a trademarkapplication for a desired mark, etc.). In another embodiment, the website 100 offers and provides other types of pay-as-you-go pre-paidprofessional services such as, but not limited to, architecturalservices, auditing services, engineering services, medical services, taxservices, etc.

One or more users 50 may access the web site 100 via one or moreelectronic devices 300. An electronic device 300 may comprise, but isnot limited to, at least one of the following: a personal computer(e.g., a desktop computer), a mobile/handheld device such as a laptopcomputer, a tablet, a smartphone, etc. An electronic device 300comprises one or more input/output (I/O) modules 320, such as akeyboard, a keypad, a display screen, a microphone, etc. The web site100 is configured to exchange data with an electronic device 300 over aconnection (e.g., a wired connection and/or a wireless connection suchas a WiFi connection or a cellular data connection).

A user 50 may interact with the web site 100 via an application 310downloaded to or pre-loaded on an electronic device 300. For example,the application 310 may be a mobile application downloaded to theelectronic device 300 from a digital distribution platform (e.g., GooglePlay, iTunes Store, etc.). As another example, the application 310 maybe a web browser pre-loaded on the electronic device 300.

In one embodiment, a user 50 may be classified as either a client user(“client”) 400 or a service representative user (“rep”) 500. A clientuser 400 is an individual/collection of individuals requesting aprofessional service from the web site 100 (e.g., a client/customer,etc.). A service representative user 500 is one of the following: anindividual/collection of individuals acting as an administrator, or anindividual/collection of individuals assigned/selected to render aprofessional service requested by a client user 400 (e.g., aprofessional such as an attorney, support staff for the professionalsuch as a paralegal, etc.).

As described in detail later herein, the web site 100 supports differentpayment mechanisms to facilitate payment of fees for a professionalservice requested by a client user 400. To support different paymentmechanisms, the system 200 is configurable to communicate/interface withdifferent payment gateways 190. The system 200 is configured to exchangedata with a payment gateway 190 over a connection (e.g., a wiredconnection and/or a wireless connection).

The system 200 is configured to query and retrieve information ofrelevance/interest to a user 50 from one or more data sources. The datasources queried may comprise a database 225 maintained on the storagedevices 220 and/or a third-party data source 120. The system 200 isconfigurable to interface with different third-party data sources 120 toacquire data. The system 200 is configured to exchange data with athird-party data source 120 over a connection (e.g., a wired connectionand/or a wireless connection).

In one embodiment, the system 200 is implemented utilizing a centralizedcomputing architecture. In another embodiment, the system 200 isimplemented utilizing a distributed computing architecture. In yetanother embodiment, the system 200 is implemented utilizing a cloudcomputing architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates the system 200 in detail, in accordance with anembodiment. As stated above, one or more applications 215 (FIG. 1 ) mayexecute/operate on the server devices 210 (FIG. 1 ) to provide theattributes of the web site 100 (FIG. 1 ). In one embodiment, theapplications 215 comprise a web site generator 240 configured togenerate a collection of web pages 241 and a collection of graphicaluser interfaces (GUIs) 242 for the web site 100. A web page 241 may beembedded with one or more GUIs 242. A GUI 242 may comprise one or moreGUI components that a user 50 (FIG. 1 ) may interact with (e.g., aninput field for receiving input, such as a text field, a checkbox field,a radio button field, a select field, a file field, etc.). Examples ofdifferent GUIs 242 generated by the web site generator 240 are describedin detail later herein. Each GUI 242 may be presented to a user 50 by anapplication 310 (e.g., a mobile application or a web browser) on anelectronic device 300 (FIG. 1 ) of the user 50.

In one embodiment, the applications 215 comprise an input/output (I/O)processor 250 configured to receive input from, and send output to, auser 50. The I/O processor 250 may receive different types of input. Thedifferent types of input may comprise, but are not limited to, at leastone of the following: a request to register a new online account for theweb site 100, a request to login/sign in to an existing online accountfor the web site 100, a user interaction with a GUI component includedin a GUI 242 (e.g., a user response/selection collected via an inputfield included in a GUI 242), and a document uploaded by a user 50(e.g., an image file, a text file, an audio file, a video file, etc.).

In one embodiment, a web page 241 and/or GUI 242 is dynamicallygenerated based in part on input received from a user 50.

The I/O processor 250 may send different types of output. The differenttypes of output may comprise, but are not limited to, at least one ofthe following: a communication indicative of a status of a professionalservice, a communication indicative of one or more results of an audit,and a communication exchanged between two or more users 50. In oneembodiment, the I/O processor 250 supports different electronic deliverymethods. The electronic delivery methods may comprise, but are notlimited to, at least one of the following: an e-mail, a short messagingservice (SMS), a message, a text, a document file, and a notification(e.g., a push or pull notification retrieved by the application 310). Inone embodiment, an electronic delivery method selected for sending acommunication to a user 50 is based on communication preferences of theuser 50 and/or urgency of the communication.

In one embodiment, in response to receiving/sending a communication, auser 50 may delay or set a reminder for a follow-up action. The user 50may report whether the follow-up action was performed through a numberof communication methods, including a direct response to thecommunications.

In one embodiment, the applications 215 comprise a questionnairegenerator 255 configured to generate a questionnaire for a client user400. Specifically, in response to a request from a client user 400 for aprofessional service, the questionnaire generator 255 generates acustomized questionnaire comprising one or more questions selected fromone or more question banks 232 (FIG. 3 ) maintained on the storagedevices 220. The questions of the questionnaire are relevant to theprofessional service requested. The questionnaire is presented to theclient user 400. The questionnaire simplifies the process of gatheringinformation necessary for performance of the professional servicerequested. Specifically, the questionnaire enables the client user 400to flow through an engaging and intuitive flow of steps that collects,from the client user 400, information necessary for performance of theprofessional service requested.

In one embodiment, the questionnaire adapts based on user responses fromthe client user 400. The questionnaire is a pre-alignedarchitecture/hierarchy of questions that self-populates with additionalquestions dynamically selected from the question banks 232 based on userresponses from the client 400. Specifically, subsequent/additionalquestions are selected for inclusion in the questionnaire based on userresponses from the client user 400 to earlier questions of thequestionnaire. By customizing subsequent questions based on earlier userresponses from the client user 400, the client user 400 need notstruggle with determining subsequent questions he/she must respond to,thereby saving the client user 400 time and effort.

In one embodiment, a user 50 may upload, to the website 100, informationnecessary for performance of the professional service requested, such asimage data (e.g., a photo of a legal document, a photo of an electroniccheck or a credit card for use in payment of fees, etc.), audio data(e.g., a voice recording), and/or video data (e.g., a video recording).The user 50 may upload information at various points of the process ofsubmitting a request for a professional service, such as whilecompleting a questionnaire, during a virtual consultation, etc. Forexample, via an application 310 on an electronic device 300, the user 50may select a previously created file (e.g., a file comprising imagedata, audio data, and/or video data) stored on the electronic device300, and upload the file selected to the website 100. The uploaded filemay be used to populate a questionnaire or may be viewable by anotheruser 50 during a virtual consultation.

In one embodiment, a user 50 may utilize one or more sensors (e.g., acamera, a microphone, etc.) of the electronic device 300 to simplycapture real-time image data, audio data, and/or video data, anddirectly upload the real-time data captured to the website 100. Forexample, the user 50 may take/capture a photo in real-time, and uploadthe photo captured directly into the website 100. The uploaded photo maybe used to populate a questionnaire or may be viewable by another user50 immediately and in real time during a virtual consultation. Providingthe user 50 with the ability to capture and directly upload real-timeaudio and video data to the website 100 saves the user 50 time andeffort and allows real time creation and implementation of professionalinformation and work.

For example, instead of manually scanning a legal document and thenlater uploading the scanned and stored legal document to the web site100, the user 50 may utilize his/her electronic device 300 to simplycapture and directly upload a photo of the legal document for immediateuse and access instead. This way a user 50 can directly populate aquestionnaire with an immediately taken photo based on the questionsposed instead of determining the questions that will be asked inadvance, gathering materials, taking photos and storing them and onceall that work is created, then first beginning the questionnaire.Instead, the user 50 can go through the questionnaire and populate it inreal time with minimal preparation.

Further, the ability to capture and directly upload real-time datareduces or eliminates data tampering/manipulation, thereby ensuringcredibility/integrity of important documents (e.g., opinion letters,litigation matters, etc.) for other aspects of professionalcommunications. For example, an embodiment would allow for a remotedeponent to provided real-time, verified deposition testimony, includingthe introduction verified documentary or other evidence and for a remotelawyer to provide a limited scope representation of the deponent or totake the deponents testimony.

In one embodiment, the applications 215 comprise an account manager 260configured to create and manage an online account for the web site 100.For example, in response to receiving a request from a user 50 toregister a new online account for the web site 100, the account manager260 creates/sets up the new online account based on input provided bythe user 50. As another example, in response to receiving a request froma user 50 to login/sign in to an existing online account for the website 100, the account manager 260 verifies login/sign in information(e.g., a username/e-mail address and a password) provided by the user 50against authentication credentials maintained on the storage devices 220for the online account, and authorizes the user 50 to access the onlineaccount upon successful verification. As another example, the accountmanager 260 updates account information for an online account for theweb site 100 based in part on input received from a user 50 associatedwith the online account.

In one embodiment, the accounts manager 260 enables a client user 400 tocreate a corporate account for use in payment of service fees for aprofessional service requested by the client user 400. Any futureprofessional service requested by the client user 400 may be directlybilled to the corporate account.

In one embodiment, the applications 215 comprise a dashboard generator270 configured to generate a dashboard 271 for an online account for theweb site 100. The dashboard 271 is a tool that facilitates user reviewand user management of an online account. Examples of differentdashboards 271 generated by the dashboard generator 270 are described indetail later herein.

In one embodiment, the applications 215 comprise a virtual consultationunit 280 configured to facilitate a client user 400 with scheduling alive, virtual consultation with a service representative user 500 for apre-determined amount of time. The client user 400 may manage costsassociated with the virtual consultation by controlling a duration ofthe virtual consultation (e.g., specifying a pre-determined amount oftime to set as the length of time of the virtual consultation).

In one embodiment, the applications 215 comprise a payment unit 290configured to facilitate a client user 400 with payment of fees for aprofessional service requested by the client user 400. In oneembodiment, the payment unit 290 supports different payment mechanisms.The different payment mechanisms may comprise, but are not limited to,at least one of the following: an instant payment mechanism, a recurringpayment mechanism (e.g., auto-pay), and a pre-set credit or other typeof accounting system that tracks payment options for a client user 400.

In one embodiment, the payment unit 290 may communicate/interface withdifferent payment gateways 190 (FIG. 1 ). The different payment gateways190 may comprise, but are not limited to, at least one of the following:the Automated Clearing House (ACH) (e.g., for electronic check payments,credit payments, and debit payments), a worldwide online payment system(e.g., PayPal, etc.), and a mobile payment and digital wallet service(e.g., Apple Pay, Square, etc.).

In one embodiment, the payment unit 290 records each payment of fees fora professional service requested by a client user 400. Each payment isrecorded as a time-stamped payment transaction record on the storagedevices 220. As described in detail later herein, a client user 400 mayutilize a dashboard 271 for an online account that he/she is associatedwith to view prior payments that he/she has made in connection with theonline account.

In one embodiment, all payments made are non-refundable. If a clientuser 400 has pre-paid for a virtual consultation but concludes thevirtual consultation before the pre-determined amount of time paid hasrun out, the web site 100 may provide a credit to the client user 400for the unused amount of time remaining.

In one embodiment, the applications 215 comprise an auditing unit 245configured to facilitate an audit of information from a client user 400.As stated above, the system 200 presents to a client user 400 aquestionnaire comprising one or more questions for collectinginformation necessary for performance of a professional servicerequested by the client user 400. The I/O processor 250 collects one ormore user responses from the client user 400 while the client user 400is completing the questionnaire. When the client user 400 has completedthe questionnaire and made a payment of fees for the professionalservice requested, the I/O processor 250 forwards user responses to thecompleted questionnaire to the auditing unit 245. In response toreceiving the user responses, the auditing unit 245 initiates an auditof the user responses.

The audit of the user responses may be performed automatically ormanually. To perform the audit automatically, the auditing unit 245invokes artificial intelligence (AI) software to review the userresponses. In one embodiment, the auditing unit 245 comprises AIsoftware. In another embodiment, the auditing unit 245 mayinterface/communicate with third-party AI software. To perform the auditmanually, the auditing unit 245 forwards the user responses to at leastone service representative user 500 for review.

During the audit, the service representative user 500 and/or the AIsoftware determines whether the user responses satisfy one or morepre-specified conditions/requirements. The pre-specifiedconditions/requirements may comprise one or more conditions/requirementsrelevant to the professional service requested.

Upon completion of the review, the auditing unit 245 forwards, to theclient user 400, a communication indicative of one or more results ofthe audit. In one embodiment, if the user responses satisfy thepre-specified conditions/requirements, the auditing unit 245 generates,based on the user responses, a confirmation document comprising allrelevant information necessary for performance of the professionalservice requested. The confirmation document may be reviewed by theservice representative user 500 before it is forwarded to the clientuser 400 for approval.

If the user responses do not satisfy the pre-specifiedconditions/requirements, one or more suggested changes to the userresponses are returned to the client user 400. The client user 400 maybe prompted to revise the user responses based on the suggested changes.The suggested changes may comprise an edit/correction suggested by theservice representative user 500 and/or the AI software. In oneembodiment, the web site generator 240 is configured to provide asuggested change as a tooltip, an infotip, a hint, or another GUIelement that appears within proximity of a user response that thesuggested change is applicable to. The client user 400 may correct aninput field including the user response by selecting the suggestedchange; the input field is re-populated with the suggested change whenthe suggested change is selected.

In one embodiment, the audit is a multi-stage review process (e.g., atwo-stage review process). For example, a first/initial review of theuser responses is performed by AI software, and one or more subsequentreviews of the user responses are performed by one or more servicerepresentative users 500. The user responses may be reviewed bydifferent service representative users 500. For example, a first servicerepresentative user 500 may perform a review of the user responses, anda second service representative user 500 may perform a subsequent reviewof the user responses. The first service representative user 500 may bea subordinate of or provide support to the second service representativeuser 500.

For example, if the professional service requested comprises a legalservice, the user responses may be reviewed by a legal team.Specifically, a first/initial review of the user responses may beperformed by support staff for an attorney (e.g., a paralegal), and asecond review of the user responses may be performed by the attorney.

In one embodiment, the applications 215 comprise a search unit 295configured to query and retrieve information of relevance/interest to aclient user 400 from one or more data sources. The data sources queriedmay comprise a database 225 (FIG. 1 ) maintained on the storage devices220 and/or a third-party data source 120 (FIG. 1 ). The search unit 295may communicate/interface with different third-party data sources 120.For example, the search unit 295 may interface with an applicationprogramming interface (API) of an online database maintained by athird-party.

In one embodiment, the applications 215 comprise a ratings unit 296configured to collect a rating and/or a review from a user 50. The website 100 may prompt a client user 400 for a rating and/or a reviewindicative of client satisfaction with performance and/or experience ofa service representative user 500 who performed a professional servicerequested by the client user 400. The web site 100 may also prompt aservice representative user 500 for a rating and/or a review indicativeof ease of interaction/engagement with a client user 400 the servicerepresentative user 500 performed a professional service for.

FIG. 3 illustrates the storage devices 220 in detail, in accordance withan embodiment. As stated above, the storage devices 220 (FIG. 1 ) maymaintain one or more databases 225 (FIG. 1 ). In one embodiment, thedatabases 225 comprise a set of databases 231 maintaining accountinformation for at least one online account for the web site 100 (FIG. 1). Each database 231 corresponds to a particular online account for theweb site 100. Each database 231 maintains account information for acorresponding online account. In one embodiment, the account informationmay comprise, but is not limited to, at least one of the following:authentication credentials for the online account (e.g., ausername/e-mail address and a password), user information of a user 50(FIG. 1 ) associated with the online account (e.g., full name, etc.),and user preferences of the user 50 (e.g., preferred account settings,etc.).

In one embodiment, the databases 225 comprise a set of databases 232maintaining at least one question bank. Each database 232 corresponds toa particular professional service offered by the web site 100. Eachdatabase 232 comprises a question bank for a corresponding professionalservice. In one embodiment, the question bank may comprise, but is notlimited to, one or more questions for collecting information necessaryfor performance of the corresponding professional service.

In one embodiment, the databases 225 comprise a set of databases 233maintaining service provider information for one or more serviceproviders. Each database 233 corresponds to a particular serviceprovider offering one or more professional services via the web site100. Each database 233 maintains service provider information for acorresponding service provider. In one embodiment, the service providerinformation may comprise, but is not limited to, at least one of thefollowing: contact information for the corresponding service provider(e.g., business address, etc.), fee information comprising at least onecost structure including pre-determined rates for a professional serviceoffered by the service provider, and user information of each servicerepresentative user 500 associated with the service provider (e.g., fullname, contact information such as e-mail address, availability forvirtual consultations, etc.).

In one embodiment, the databases 225 comprise a set of databases 234maintaining contact information for one or more users 50. Each database234 corresponds to a particular user 50. Each database 234 maintainscontact information for a corresponding user 50. In one embodiment, thecontact information may comprise, but is not limited to, at least one ofthe following: one or more e-mail addresses of the user 50 (e.g.,personal e-mail address, business e-mail address, etc.), one or moretelephone numbers of the user 50 (e.g., home phone number, office phonenumber, mobile phone number, etc), one or more addresses of the user 50(e.g., home address, business address, web site address, etc.), andcontact preferences of the user 50 (e.g., preferred e-mail address,etc.).

In one embodiment, the databases 225 comprise a set of databases 235maintaining communication history for one or more online accounts forthe web site 100. Each database 235 corresponds to a particular onlineaccount for the web site 100. Each database 235 maintains communicationhistory for a corresponding online account. In one embodiment, thecommunication history may comprise, but is not limited to, at least oneof the following: one or more status updates indicative of changes instatus for one or more professional services requested by/assigned to auser 50 (e.g., a client user 400 or a service representative user 500)associated with the corresponding online account, and one or morecommunications exchanged between the user 50 and another user 50 (e.g.,a transcript of a chat between a client user 400 and a servicerepresentative user 500 assigned to perform a professional servicerequested by the client user 400).

In one embodiment, the databases 225 comprise a set of databases 236maintaining report history for one or more online accounts for the website 100. Each database 236 corresponds to a particular online accountfor the web site 100. Each database 236 maintains report history for acorresponding online account. In one embodiment, the report history maycomprise, but is not limited to, one or more time-stamped reports forone or more professional services requested by/assigned to a user 50(e.g., a client user 400 or a service representative user 500)associated with the corresponding online account. Each time-stampedreport for each professional service may comprise, but is not limitedto, at least one of the following: information necessary for performanceof the professional service, one or more changes (e.g., corrections,edits, etc.) to the information, and an identity of a user 50responsible for the changes.

In one embodiment, the databases 225 comprise a set of databases 237maintaining service history for one or more online accounts for the website 100. Each database 237 corresponds to a particular online accountfor the web site 100. Each database 237 maintains service history for acorresponding online account. In one embodiment, the service history maycomprise, but is not limited to, one or more data records for one ormore professional services requested by/assigned to a user 50 (e.g., aclient user 400 or a service representative user 500) associated withthe corresponding online account. Each data record for each professionalservice may comprise, but is not limited to, status history informationindicative of one or more status updates for the professional service,and one or more documents prepared for the professional service.

In one embodiment, the databases 225 comprise a set of databases 238maintaining payment history for one or more online accounts for the website 100. Each database 238 corresponds to a particular online accountfor the web site 100. Each database 238 maintains payment history for acorresponding online account. In one embodiment, the payment history maycomprise, but is not limited to, one or more time-stamped paymenttransaction records for one or more professional services requestedby/assigned to a user 50 associated with the corresponding onlineaccount. Each time-stamped payment transaction record for eachprofessional service may comprise, but is not limited to, at least oneof the following: total amount of fees for the professional service, andpayment information indicative of a payment method utilized to pay thetotal amount of fees.

In one embodiment, the databases 225 comprise a set of databases 239maintaining payment information for one or more online accounts for theweb site 100. Each database 239 corresponds to a particular onlineaccount for the web site 100. Each database 239 maintains paymentinformation for a corresponding online account. In one embodiment, thepayment information for the corresponding online account may comprise,but is not limited to, at least one of the following: one or morepayment methods previously utilized by a client user 400 associated withthe online account (e.g., credit card information, bank accountinformation, etc.), and payment preferences of the client user 400(e.g., preferred payment method, etc.).

FIG. 4A illustrates an example sign in GUI 710, in accordance with anembodiment. As stated above, a user 50 (FIG. 1 ) may interact with theweb site 100 (FIG. 1 ) via an application 310 (e.g., a mobileapplication or a web browser) on an electronic device 300 (FIG. 1 ). Inresponse to a request from the user 50 to login/sign in to an existingonline account for the web site 100, the web site generator 240 (FIG. 2) generates a sign in GUI 710 for display on the electronic device 300.

In one embodiment, the sign in GUI 710 comprises a sub-area 711 forcollecting login information for the online account from the user 50.The login information comprises, but is not limited to, authenticationcredentials (e.g., a username/e-mail address and a password) for theonline account. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the sign in GUI 710comprises multiple input fields 712 for receiving the login informationfrom the user 50.

The account manager 260 (FIG. 2 ) verifies the login information againstauthentication credentials maintained on a database 231 (FIG. 3 )corresponding to the online account. In one embodiment, upon successfulverification of the login information, the user 50 is directed to adashboard 271 (FIG. 2 ) for the online account. In another embodiment,upon successful verification of the login information, the user 50 isdirected to a GUI listing different functionalities offered by the website 100.

In yet another embodiment, upon successful verification of the logininformation, the user 50 is directed to a GUI providing a functionalityselected by the user 50 during sign in. For example, as shown in FIG.4A, the sign in GUI 710 comprises a selectable GUI component 713A foraccessing a dashboard 271 for the online account and a selectable GUIcomponent 713B for initiating a request for a professional service. Ifthe user 50 selects the GUI component 713A during sign in, the user 50is directed to a GUI including a dashboard 271 for the online account.If the user 50 selects the GUI component 713B during sign in, the user50 is directed to a GUI (e.g., GUI 720 in FIG. 7 ) for initiating arequest for a professional service.

In one embodiment, the GUI components 713A and 713B are disabled (e.g.,greyed out) until the user 50 has populated each input field 712 of thesub-area 711 with the login information.

The user 50 may not remember the login information for the onlineaccount. In one embodiment, the sign in GUI 710 comprises a selectableGUI component 714A the user 50 may select to initiate a request torecover or reset authentication credentials for the online account.

The user 50 may not have an existing online account for the web site100. In one embodiment, the sign in GUI 710 comprises a selectable GUIcomponent 714B the user 50 may select to initiate a request to registera new online account for the web site 100.

FIG. 4B illustrates another example sign in GUI 715, in accordance withan embodiment. In one embodiment, the web site 100 (FIG. 1 ) offerspreparing and filing a trademark application for a desired mark with theUSPTO as a professional service. As shown in FIG. 4B, the sign in GUI715 comprises a selectable GUI component for initiating a request forpreparing and filing a trademark application for a desired mark with theUSPTO.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example registration GUI 700, in accordance withan embodiment. In response to a request from a user 50 (FIG. 1 ) toregister a new online account for the web site 100 (FIG. 1 ), the website generator 240 (FIG. 2 ) generates a registration GUI 700 fordisplay on an electronic device 300 (FIG. 1 ) of the user 50.

In one embodiment, the registration GUI 700 comprises a sub-area 701 forcollecting account information for the new online account from the user50. The account information comprises, but is not limited to, at leastone of the following: authentication credentials for the online account(e.g., a username/e-mail address and a password) and user information ofthe user 50 (e.g., full name, etc.). The account manager 260 (FIG. 2 )creates/sets up the online account based on the account information. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 5A, the registration GUI 700 comprisesmultiple input fields 702 for receiving the account information from theuser 50.

In one embodiment, the account manager 260 creates/sets up the newonline account only after the user 50 has reviewed and accepted a useragreement. In one embodiment, the web site 100 requires user acceptanceof the user agreement during registration of the online account. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 5A, the registration GUI 700 comprises asub-area 703 displaying a click-wrap agreement 704 requiring the user 50to click and accepts terms and conditions specified in the agreement(e.g., by clicking a checkbox field 705 stating “I accept the terms &conditions.”). In another embodiment, the sub-area 703 comprises aselectable GUI component the user 50 may select to view a pop-up windowdisplaying the click-wrap agreement 704.

In one embodiment, the terms and conditions specified in the useragreement may comprise, but are not limited to, at least one of thefollowing: (1) license terms for using the web site 100 and/or anapplication 310 (FIG. 1 ) for accessing the web site 100, (2) terms ofservice governing user access to and use of services provided by the website 100, and (3) terms for retaining professional services provided bya professional/service provider via the web site 100, including, but notlimited to common terms which a trademark attorney would have a clientagree to in a lawyer's Engagement Agreement such as an arbitrationclause and client trust provisions.

When the embodiment allows for multiple service representative users 500or law firms, as shown in FIG. 7 , the embodiment will allow for acommon user agreement having similar terms and conditions used bymultiple firms or for customized user agreements which may be stored foreach service representative user 500 or Professional Service Provider724, where the user chooses a specific service representative user 500or Professional Service Provider 724 for their professional servicefirm.

Further, the click wrap Engagement Agreement can be automaticallycustomized from pre-programmed clauses based upon the desiredprofessional service which the User wishes to choose. In one embodiment,the click wrap Engagement Agreement is for a limited scope service suchas only the filing of a trademark application. Further work, such aspreparing office action responses can be excluded so that the User cancontrol and budget the costs of the professional services they areauthorizing.

For example, if the User wishes to file an Intent to Use trademarkapplication, there may be service specific clauses and fees applicablejust to that limited service of preparing an Intent to Use trademarkapplication. Alternatively, if a User wishes to have the ProfessionalService Provider 724 prepare a trademark office action response, theremay be service specific clauses and fees applicable just to that limitedservice of preparing a trademark office action response. Once the Userselects the desired professional service 722 and the desiredprofessional service provider 725, an embodiment of the invention canbuild a limited scope professional services engagement agreementtailored for those specific attributes. In one embodiment theprofessional service provider 725 has agreed to accept the engagementand the User can then agree to the terms and conditions and enter into abinding, customized legal agreement with the Professional ServiceProvider 725. In one embodiment the professional service provider 725has reserved the right to approve the engagement, and the User'sapproval of the terms and conditions then requires the ProfessionalService Provider 725 a binding, customized legal agreement between theUser and the Professional Service Provider 725

In one embodiment, the web site 100 requires user acceptance of the useragreement before a user 50 downloads, to his/her electronic device 300,an application 310 for accessing the web site 100.

In one embodiment, the registration GUI 700 comprises a selectable GUIcomponent 706 the user 50 may select to submit the account informationto the account manager 260 for processing. In one embodiment, the GUIcomponent 706 is disabled (e.g., greyed out) until the user 50 haspopulated each input field 702 of the sub-area 701 with the accountinformation and/or accepted the user agreement.

FIG. 5B illustrates another example registration GUI 705, in accordancewith an embodiment. In one embodiment, the web site 100 (FIG. 1 ) offerspreparing and filing a trademark application for a desired mark with theUSPTO as a professional service. As shown in FIG. 5B, the registrationGUI 705 comprises a selectable GUI component for creating a new onlineaccount and initiating a request for preparing and filing a trademarkapplication for a desired mark with the USPTO.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example search GUI 810, in accordance with anembodiment. In one embodiment, one of the functionalities offered by theweb site 100 (FIG. 1 ) comprises an online search tool. The web sitegenerator 240 (FIG. 2 ) is configured to generate a search GUI 810 fordisplay on an electronic device 300 (FIG. 1 ) of a user 50 (FIG. 1 ).The search GUI 810 provides an online search tool the user 50 may use toperform an online search for information of relevance/interest.

In one embodiment, the search GUI 810 comprises an input field 811 forcollecting one or more search terms/parameters from the user 50. Thesearch GUI 810 may comprise one or more additional input fields 812 theuser 50 may interact with to select one or more data sources to performthe online search on (e.g., a select field/checkbox corresponding to athird-party data source 120 (FIG. 1 ), another select field/checkboxcorresponding to a database 225 (FIG. 1 ) maintained on the storagedevices 220 (FIG. 1 ), etc.). The search unit 295 (FIG. 2 ) queries thedata sources selected based on the search terms/parameters entered bythe user 50. The search GUI 810 comprises a sub-area 813 for displayingone or more search/query results obtained/retrieved by the search unit295.

In one embodiment, the web site 100 offers preparing and filing atrademark application for a desired mark with the USPTO as aprofessional service. The online search tool may comprise an onlinetrademark search tool the user 50 may use to perform an online searchfor pending trademark applications and/or registered trademarks. Thesearch unit 295 may be configured to query an online trademark databasemaintained by the USPTO and/or a trademark database (including afacsimile of trademark information) maintained on the storage devices220.

In response to a request from a client user 400 (FIG. 1 ) to initiate arequest for a professional service, the web site generator 240 generatesa sequence of GUIs the client user 400 navigates through to submit therequest. The sequence of GUIs the client user 400 may navigate throughare described in detail below.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example request GUI 720, in accordance with anembodiment. In one embodiment, in response to a request from a clientuser 400 (FIG. 1 ) to initiate a request for a professional service, theweb site generator 240 (FIG. 2 ) generates a request GUI 720 for displayon an electronic device 300 (FIG. 1 ) of the client user 400.

In one embodiment, the request GUI 720 provides a list of professionalservices offered by the web site 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 ,the request GUI 720 comprises a sub-area 721 listing one or moreprofessional services for selection. The sub-area 721 comprises one ormore input fields 722 the client user 400 may interact with to select aprofessional service to request (e.g., a select field/checkboxcorresponding to a professional service offered by the web site 100(FIG. 1 ), another select field/checkbox corresponding to anotherprofessional service offered by the web site 100). One or moresubsequent GUIs generated by the web site generator 240 may be based onthe professional service requested.

In one embodiment, the request GUI 720 comprises a list ofprofessionals/service providers available to perform professionalservices offered by the web site 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 ,the request GUI 720 comprises a sub-area 723 listing one or moreprofessionals/service providers for selection. In one embodiment, thesub-area 723 is dynamically updated based on the professional servicerequested (e.g., only professionals/service providers available toperform the professional service requested are listed; otherprofessionals/service providers are filtered out). The sub-area 723comprises one or more input fields 724 the client user 400 may interactwith to select a professional/service provider to perform theprofessional service requested (e.g., a select field/checkboxcorresponding to a professional/service provider, another selectfield/checkbox corresponding to another professional/service provider).

In one embodiment, the sub-area 723 comprises, for eachprofessional/service provider listed, a corresponding GUI element 725displaying additional information for the professional/service provider(e.g., a rating and/or a ranking of the professional/service provider,experience level of the professional/service provider, etc.).

In one embodiment, the task of performing the professional servicerequested is tentatively assigned to the selected professional/serviceprovider; the assignment is only confirmed upon approval of the selectedprofessional/service provider. The selected professional/serviceprovider is provided with request information relevant to theprofessional service requested (e.g., rating and/or ranking of theclient user 400, etc.) to assist the selected professional/serviceprovider with determining whether to approve or deny the assignment.

FIG. 8A illustrates an example questionnaire GUI 730, in accordance withan embodiment. In one embodiment, in response to a request from a clientuser 400 (FIG. 1 ) for a professional service, the web site generator240 (FIG. 1 ) generates a questionnaire GUI 730 for display on anelectronic device 300 (FIG. 1 ) of the client user 400.

The questionnaire GUI 730 comprises a customized questionnaire generatedby the questionnaire generator 255 (FIG. 2 ). The customizedquestionnaire comprises one or more questions selected from one or morequestion banks 232 (FIG. 3 ) maintained on the storage devices 220 (FIG.1 ). The questions of the customized questionnaire are relevant to theprofessional service requested. The customized questionnaire ispresented to the client user 400, enabling the client user 400 to flowthrough an engaging and intuitive flow of steps that collects, from theclient user 400, information necessary for performance of theprofessional service requested. The customized questionnaire adaptsbased on user responses from the client user 400. Specifically,subsequent questions of the customized questionnaire are based on userresponses from the client user 400 to earlier questions of thequestionnaire.

The customized questionnaire simplifies the process of gatheringinformation necessary for performance of the professional servicerequested. By customizing subsequent questions based on earlier userresponses from the client user 400, the client user 400 need notstruggle with determining subsequent questions he/she must respond to,thereby saving the client user 400 time and effort.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the questionnaire GUI 730 comprisesone or more sub-areas 731. Each sub-area 731 corresponds to a particularquestion of the questionnaire. The sub-area 731 comprises textindicative of the corresponding question. The sub-area 731 includes oneor more corresponding input fields 732 (e.g., a text field, a checkboxfield, a radio button field, a select field, a file field, etc.) theclient user 400 may interact with to provide a user response to thecorresponding question.

In one embodiment, the questionnaire GUI 730 comprises one or more GUIelements (e.g., a tooltip, an infotip, a hint, etc.) for providingadditional information (e.g., a helpful tip, etc.) about one or morequestions of the questionnaire. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, asub-area 731 comprises an infotip 733 positioned within proximity oftext indicative of a corresponding question. A pop-up window withadditional information about the corresponding question appears when theclient user 400 interacts with the infotip 733 (e.g., selecting orhovering over the infotip 733).

In one embodiment, the questionnaire includes a pair of similarquestions requiring identical user responses to confirm accuracy of theuser responses. Specifically, the auditing unit 245 (FIG. 2 ) comparesthe user responses to the pair of similar questions to determine whetherthe user responses match. If the user responses do not match, thequestionnaire GUI 730 refreshes to indicate as such and prompts theclient user 400 to correct the user responses.

In one embodiment, the questionnaire GUI 730 comprises one or moreselectable GUI components for navigation control. For example, as shownin FIG. 8A, the questionnaire GUI 730 comprises a back button 734A fornavigating back to a prior GUI (e.g., a GUI comprising a prior set ofquestions, etc.) and a forward button 734B for navigating forward to asucceeding GUI (e.g., a GUI comprising a next set of questions, etc.).

In one embodiment, the questionnaire GUI 730 comprises a GUI componentthat represents a progress indicator. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A,the questionnaire GUI 730 comprises a progress bar 735 indicatingprogress of the client user 400 in completing the process of submittinga request for a professional service.

In one embodiment, in response to the client user 400 completing aquestionnaire or submitting a payment of fees for a professional servicerequested by the client user 400, the web site 100 prompts the clientuser 400 whether he/she would like to request another professionalservice related/similar to the professional service requested. If theclient user 400 indicates that he/she would like to request anotherprofessional service that is related/similar, the questionnairegenerator 255 generates a customized questionnaire for the otherprofessional service, and automatically populates one or more inputfields of the questionnaire based on user responses to the completedquestionnaire for earlier professional service requested. The clientuser 400 may edit/correct the populated input fields, if necessary.

FIGS. 8B-8I illustrate other example questionnaires GUIs 750-757, inaccordance with an embodiment. In one embodiment, the web site 100 (FIG.1 ) offers preparing and filing a trademark application for a desiredmark with the USPTO as a professional service. If the professionalservice requested by a client user 400 (FIG. 1 ) is preparing and filinga trademark application for a desired mark with the USPTO, thequestionnaire generator 255 (FIG. 2 ) is configured to generate acustomized trademark questionnaire comprising a step-by-step input formincluding questions for gathering information relevant to the desiredmark. Based on some user responses from the client user 400 to somequestions of the trademark questionnaire, the trademark questionnaire isupdated to include additional questions. Each questionnaire GUI 750-757includes a portion of the trademark questionnaire.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the trademark questionnaire comprises,but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a questioninquiring about the trademark the client user 400 would like toregister, and a question inquiring about a type of the trademark (e.g.,a standard character trademark or a design trademark). Each question hasone or more corresponding input fields the client user 400 may interactwith to provide a user response to the question (e.g., an input field toenter the trademark, a set of select fields to select a type of thetrademark, another input field to re-enter the trademark).

In one embodiment, the trademark questionnaire includes a pair ofsimilar questions requiring identical user responses to confirm accuracyof the user responses. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the client user400 is prompted to enter the trademark twice to confirm the exactspelling, punctuation, spacing, numbers, and/or characters of thetrademark. The auditing unit 245 (FIG. 2 ) compares user responses tothe pair of similar questions to determine whether the user responsesmatch. If the user responses do not match, the questionnaire GUI 750refreshes to indicate as such and prompts the client user 400 to correctthe user responses.

In one embodiment, the I/O processor 250 is configured to process animage uploaded by the client user 400 of the desired mark (e.g.,utilizing optical character recognition (OCR) software), and populateone or more input fields of the trademark questionnaire based on theimage (e.g., populate an input field requesting a description of thedesired mark).

When all information relevant to the desired mark has been collectedfrom the client user 400, the auditing unit 245 generates a trademarkapplication confirmation (TAC) document (e.g., a web page, a PDFdocument, etc.) based on the information collected. AI software and/orone or more service representative users 500 (e.g., an attorney, supportstaff for the attorney, etc.) review the TAC document and suggestedits/corrections, if necessary. The reviewed TAC document is providedto the client user 400 for approval. In one embodiment, the client user400 may approve the TAC document by digitally signing the TAC document.An approved TAC document comprises an electronic signature of the clientuser 400.

In response to receiving approval from the client user 400, a servicerepresentative user 500 prepares and files a trademark application withthe USPTO based on the approved TAC document.

In addition to requesting a professional service, a client user 400 mayalso request to schedule a live, virtual consultation with a servicerepresentative user 500. In one embodiment, a virtual consultationbetween the client user 400 and a service representative user 500 is anecessary pre-specified condition/requirement for performance of theprofessional service requested. In another embodiment, a virtualconsultation between the client user 400 and a service representativeuser 500 is optional. In another embodiment, if the client user 400 optsnot to schedule a virtual consultation, the client user 400 may receivea discount in fees for the professional service requested.

In one embodiment, the client user 400 may be queried about his/herdesire to schedule a virtual consultation after he/she has completed thequestionnaire.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example scheduling GUI 840, in accordance with anembodiment. In one embodiment, in response to a request from the clientuser 400 (FIG. 1 ) to schedule a live, virtual consultation with aservice representative user 500 (FIG. 1 ), the web site generator 240(FIG. 2 ) is configured to generate a scheduling GUI 840 for display onan electronic device 300 (FIG. 1 ) of the client user 400.

For example, the scheduling GUI 840 is presented to the client user 400in response to the client user 400 completing a questionnaire. Asanother example, the scheduling GUI 840 is presented to the client user400 in response to a request from the client user 400 to schedule alive, virtual consultation with a service representative user 500.

In one embodiment, the scheduling GUI 840 comprises a sub-area 841providing a cost structure corresponding to a professional servicerequested by the client user 400. The virtual consultation unit 280 mayretrieve the cost structure from a database 233 (FIG. 3 ) correspondingto a service provider offering the professional service requested. Thecost structure comprises pre-determined rates for virtual consultationsof varying lengths of time (e.g., a 15-minute virtual consultation, a30-minute virtual consultation, etc.).

As stated above, the client user 400 may directly control costsassociated with the professional service requested by managing aduration of a virtual consultation with a service representative user500. In one embodiment, the scheduling GUI 840 comprises a sub-area 842the client user 400 may use to select a desired length/duration of thevirtual consultation. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , the schedulingGUI 840 comprises one or more input fields 843 the client user 400 mayinteract with to select a pre-determined amount of time for the virtualconsultation (e.g., a select field/checkbox corresponding to a 15-minutevirtual consultation, another select field/checkbox corresponding to a30-minute virtual consultation, etc.).

In one embodiment, if the client user 400 does not select apre-determined amount of time for the virtual consultation, no virtualconsultation is scheduled (i.e., the client user 400 opts out ofscheduling a virtual consultation). In another embodiment, if the clientuser 400 does not select a pre-determined amount of time for the virtualconsultation, the virtual consultation is scheduled for a default amountof time (e.g., a 15-minute virtual consultation may be the default).

As described in detail later herein, the client user 400 may be promptedto pre-pay for the virtual consultation using one or more paymentmechanisms supported by the web site 100.

In one embodiment, the scheduling GUI 840 comprises a sub-area 844 theclient user 400 may use to select a date and start time for the virtualconsultation. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , the scheduling GUI 840comprises an interactive GUI component 845A (e.g., a date picker) forselecting a desired date for the virtual consultation and an interactiveGUI component 845B (e.g., a time picker) for selecting a desired starttime for the virtual consultation.

In one embodiment, the scheduling GUI 840 comprises a sub-area 847listing one or more professionals associated with the service providerand available for the virtual consultation. In one embodiment, thesub-area 847 is dynamically updated based on the pre-determined amountof time selected, the date selected, the start time selected, andavailability of professionals. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , thesub-area 847 comprises one or more input fields 848 the client user 400may interact with to select a professional he/she would like to schedulethe virtual consultation with (e.g., a select field/checkboxcorresponding to a professional, another select field/checkboxcorresponding to another professional).

In one embodiment, the sub-area 847 comprises, for each professionallisted, a corresponding GUI element 849 displaying additionalinformation for the professional (e.g., a rating and/or a ranking of theprofessional, experience level of the professional, etc.). Theadditional information is provided to assist the client user 400 withselecting the professional he/she would like to schedule the virtualconsultation with.

In one embodiment, the virtual consultation is tentatively scheduled andis only confirmed upon approval from the selected professional. Theselected professional is provided with appointment information relevantto the virtual consultation (e.g., proposed date, proposed time, desiredlength/duration, rating and/or ranking of the client user 400, etc.) toassist the selected professional with determining whether to approve thevirtual consultation.

FIG. 10A illustrates an example payment GUI 740, in accordance with anembodiment. In one embodiment, the web site generator 240 (FIG. 2 ) isconfigured to generate a payment GUI 740 for display on an electronicdevice 300 (FIG. 1 ) of a client user 400 (FIG. 1 ). The payment GUI 740enables the client user 400 to submit a payment of fees associated witha professional service requested by the client user 400.

For example, the payment GUI 740 is presented to the client user 400 inresponse to the client user 400 completing a questionnaire relevant tothe professional service requested. As another example, the payment GUI740 is presented to the client user 400 in response to a request fromthe client user 400 to submit a payment of fees associated with theprofessional service requested.

In one embodiment, the payment GUI 740 comprises a sub-area 741 forcollecting payment information from the client user 400. The client user400 may manually enter payment information, capture payment information,or select stored payment information. The sub-area 741 comprises one ormore input fields 742 the client user 400 may manually enter paymentinformation into (e.g., a text field for credit card number, checknumber, etc.).

Further, the sub-area 741 comprises a selectable GUI component 753 theclient user 400 may interact with to capture payment informationutilizing the electronic device 300. For example, the client user 400may capture payment information by taking a photo of an electronic checkor a credit card using a sensor (e.g., a camera) of the electronicdevice 300. The payment unit 290 is configured to process the capturedpayment information (e.g., utilizing optical character recognition (OCR)software), and populate one or more input fields 742 of the sub-area 741for the client user 400 to confirm. The client user 400 may edit thepopulated input fields 742, if necessary. The client user 400 may electto save any payment information manually entered/captured for futurepayment transactions. Any payment information saved is maintained asstored payment information on a database 239 (FIG. 3 ) corresponding toan online account associated with the client user 400.

Further, the sub-area 741 comprises a selectable GUI component 743 theclient user 400 may interact with to select stored payment informationpreviously saved by the client user 400. In response to the client user400 selecting the stored payment information, one or more input fields742 of the sub-area 741 are automatically populated based on the storedpayment information selected.

In one embodiment, the sub-area 741 comprises a selectable GUI component754 the client user 400 may interact with to import contact information(i.e., one or more contacts) stored on the electronic device 300. Thepayment unit 290 is configured to process the imported contactinformation, and populate one or more input fields 742 (e.g., billingaddress, etc.) of the sub-area 741 for the client user 400 to confirm.The client user 400 may edit the populated input fields 472, ifnecessary. The client user 400 may elect to save any imported contactinformation for future payment transactions. Any contact informationsaved is maintained as stored contact information on a database 234(FIG. 3 ) corresponding to the client user 400.

Further, the sub-area 741 comprises a selectable GUI component 744 theclient user 400 may interact with to select stored contact informationpreviously saved by the client user 400. In response to the client user400 selecting the stored contact information, one or more input fields742 (e.g., billing address, etc.) of the sub-area 741 are automaticallypopulated based on the stored contact information selected.

In one embodiment, if the professional service requested is preparingand filing a trademark application for a desired mark with the USPTO,some information relevant to the desired mark (e.g., applicantinformation) may be been collected from the imported contact informationor stored contact information selected.

In one embodiment, the payment GUI 740 comprises a sub-area 750providing a breakdown of the fees for the professional servicerequested. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, the breakdown of the feesmay indicate the different types of fees due, such as professional fees,filing fees, etc. If the client user 400 has requested/scheduled a live,virtual consultation with a professional, the different types of feesmay include a pre-determined rate for a pre-determined amount of timeselected by the client user 400 for the virtual consultation. Thesub-area 750 comprises a total amount of fees due (i.e., total sum ofthe different types of fees due). The sub-area 750 comprises an inputfield 751 for collecting a coupon/promo code from the client user 400.If the client user 400 enters a valid coupon/promo code, the totalamount of fees due may be adjusted to reflect a discount associated withthe coupon/promo code entered.

In one embodiment, the payment GUI 740 comprises a selectable GUIcomponent 748 the client user 400 may select to review user responses tothe completed questionnaire before submitting a payment.

In one embodiment, the web site 100 requires the client user 400 toreview and accepted a user agreement before the client user 400 cansubmit payment of fees for the professional service requested. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 10A, the payment GUI 740 comprises a sub-area745 displaying a click-wrap agreement 746 requiring the client user 400to click and accepts terms and conditions specified in the agreement(e.g., by clicking a checkbox field 747 stating “I accept the terms &conditions.”).

In one embodiment, the professional service requested requires theclient user 400 to make one or more declarations/statements (e.g., anoath or declaration). The sub-area 745 may comprise one or more inputfields for collecting one or more declarations/statements from theclient user 400.

In one embodiment, the payment GUI 740 comprises a selectable GUIcomponent 749 the client user 400 may select to submit a payment of feesfor the professional service requested. In one embodiment, the GUIcomponent 749 is disabled (e.g., greyed out) until each input field 742of the sub-area 741 is populated with the payment information and/or theclient user 400 has accepted the user agreement.

In one embodiment, the payment GUI 740 comprises a GUI component thatrepresents a progress indicator. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, thepayment GUI 740 comprises a progress bar 752 indicating progress of theclient user 400 in completing the process of submitting a request for aprofessional service.

FIG. 10B illustrates another example payment GUI 760, in accordance withan embodiment. In one embodiment, the web site 100 (FIG. 1 ) offerspreparing and filing a trademark application for a desired mark with theUSPTO as a professional service. If the professional service requestedby a client user 400 (FIG. 1 ) is preparing and filing a trademarkapplication for a desired mark with the USPTO, the web site generator240 (FIG. 2 ) is configured to generate a payment GUI 760 providing abreakdown of fees associated with preparing and filing the trademarkapplication. The payment GUI 760 requires the client user 400 to make adeclaration/statement that he/she is the actual owner of the desiredmark and the exclusive user of the mark to the best of his/her belief.

In one embodiment, in response to the client user 400 completing atrademark questionnaire or submitting a payment of fees for preparingand filing a first trademark application, the web site 100 prompts theclient user 400 whether he/she would like to prepare and file a secondtrademark application similar the first trademark application (e.g., ifthe first trademark application is for a standard character mark, thesecond trademark application may be for a design/stylized mark). If theclient user 400 indicates that he/she would like to file a secondtrademark application that is similar to the first trademarkapplication, the questionnaire generator 255 generates a customizedquestionnaire for the second trademark application, and automaticallypopulates one or more input fields of the questionnaire based on userresponses to the completed questionnaire for the first trademarkapplication. The client user 400 may edit/correct the populated inputfields, if necessary. This allows the client user 400 to speed up theprocess of filing multiple similar trademark applications.

FIG. 11A illustrates an example virtual consultation GUI 450 for aclient user 400, in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 11B illustratesan example virtual consultation GUI 550 for a service representativeuser 500, in accordance with an embodiment. To facilitate a scheduledlive, virtual consultation between a client user 400 and a servicerepresentative user 500, the web site generator 240 (FIG. 2 ) isconfigured to generate: (1) a virtual consultation GUI 450 for displayon an electronic device 300 (FIG. 1 ) of the client user 400, and (2) avirtual consultation GUI 550 for display on an electronic device 300 ofthe service representative user 500. The virtual consultation GUIs 450,550 enable the client user 400 and the service representative user 500to interact and engage with each other during the virtual consultation.

In one embodiment, the client user 400 views, via the virtualconsultation GUI 450, a live stream audio or audio and video of theservice representative user 500 during the virtual consultation, asshown in FIG. 11A. The live stream of the service representative user500 may be captured utilizing one or more sensors (e.g., a camera, amicrophone, etc.) of the electronic device 300 of the servicerepresentative user 500. The live stream of the service representativeuser 500 comprises a live video stream of the service representativeuser 500 and/or a live audio stream of the service representative user500. Specifically, the virtual consultation GUI 450 comprises a sub-area450A comprising a window 451. The window 451 displays either a livevideo stream of the service representative user 500 or an image of theservice representative user 500 (e.g., if only live audio stream isavailable/enabled).

In one embodiment, the sub-area 450A comprises a window 452 displayingeither an image or icon of the client user 400 or a live video stream ofthe client user 400. The window 452 may be smaller in size than thewindow 451 (i.e., occupies a smaller area of the virtual consultationGUI 450). Further, live video stream displayed in the window 452 mayhave lower resolution quality than live video stream displayed in thewindow 451.

In one embodiment, the client user 400 views, via the virtualconsultation GUI 450, real-time data indicative of an amount of timeremaining for the virtual consultation. For example, as shown in FIG.11A, the sub-area 450A comprises a GUI component 453 providing a livecountdown. At the start of the virtual consultation, the virtualconsultation unit 280 (FIG. 2 ) keeps track of the amount of time thathas elapsed and provides, via the GUI component 453, informationindicative of the amount of time remaining for the virtual consultation.In one embodiment, the GUI component 453 is a countdown timer. Inanother embodiment, the GUI component 453 is a color coded lightindicator configured to flash different colors when differentpredetermined thresholds are met. For example, the light indicatorflashes a green color if the amount of time remaining exceeds more than20% of a pre-determined amount of time the client user 400 has pre-paidfor, flashes a yellow color if the amount of time remaining is between10% and 20% of the pre-determined amount of time, and flashes a redcolor if the amount of time remaining is less than 10% of thepre-determined amount of time.

In one embodiment, the window 451 decreases in size as the amount oftime remaining decreases. For example, the window 451 automaticallycloses when the amount of time remaining reaches zero. As described indetail later herein, in one embodiment, the virtual consultation GUI 450provides the client user 400 with an opportunity to purchase additionaltime to extend the virtual consultation.

In one embodiment, the virtual consultation GUI 450 provides a clienttoolkit comprising different virtual tools the client user 400 mayutilize to enhance his/her online engagement/collaboration with theservice representative user 500. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, thevirtual consultation GUI 450 comprises a sub-area 450B comprising one ormore selectable GUI components. Each selectable GUI component of thesub-area 450B invokes a particular virtual tool when selected.

In one embodiment, the sub-area 450B comprises a selectable GUIcomponent 454 labeled “Upload Documents” the client user 400 may selectto upload one or more documents (e.g., image files such as JPEGs, textfiles such as Word documents, object files such as PDFs, etc.) to theweb site 100. The client user 400 may upload one or more documentsstored on, or captured by, the electronic device 300 to the web site100. For example, a photo of a legal document captured using a sensor(e.g., camera) of the electronic device 300 may be directly uploaded tothe web site 100, without requiring the client user 400 to manually scanthe legal document and upload the scanned legal document to the web site100.

In one embodiment, for privacy protection, a document uploaded to theweb site 100 by the client user 400 is only accessible by the clientuser 400 unless the client user 400 has granted access permission to thedocument to another user 50 (e.g., a service representative user 500assigned/selected to perform the professional service requested). Forexample, a document uploaded to the web site 100 may be reviewed by aservice representative user 500 engaged with the client user 400 duringthe virtual consultation if the service representative user 500 has beengranted access permission to the document.

In one embodiment, the sub-area 450B comprises a selectable GUIcomponent 455 labeled as “Split Screen” the client user 400 may selectto simultaneously view multiple screens. For example, the client user400 may simultaneously view live video of the service representative 500and an uploaded document on separate screens.

In one embodiment, the sub-area 450B comprises a selectable GUIcomponent 456 labeled “Scratch Pad” the client user 400 may select tolaunch a virtual notepad. The client user 400 may jot down notes in thevirtual notepad and save the notes as a document the client user 400 maylater access.

In one embodiment, the sub-area 450B comprises a selectable GUIcomponent 457 labeled “Chat” the client user 400 may select to launch achat interface between the client user 400 and the servicerepresentative user 500. In one embodiment, the sub-area 450B comprisesa selectable GUI component 457 labeled “Third Party” where the clientuser 400 may select to launch an interface between the client user 400and a third party, either in the form of a chat or teleconference or avideo conference, where by the client user 400 can access information inthe possession of a third party or even bring the third party into theconference with the service representative 500. All of this is withinthe client user's 400 control in how to most effectively obtainprofessional services.

In one embodiment, the sub-area 450B comprises a selectable GUIcomponent 458 labeled “Purchase More Time” the client user 400 mayselect to purchase additional time to extend the virtual consultation.For example, if the GUI component 453 indicates the amount of timeremaining for the virtual consultation is running out (i.e., the virtualconsultation will conclude soon), the GUI 450 and/or the servicerepresentative user 500 may prompt the client user 400 to either speedup/wrap up his/her discussion or purchase additional time to extend thevirtual consultation. Upon selection of the GUI component 458, theclient user 400 is prompted to either input an amount specifying theadditional time he/she wishes to purchase or select the amount fromsuggested time increments (e.g., increments of 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30minutes, etc.). In one embodiment, the client user 400 is provided witha cost structure indicating pre-determined rates associated with eachsuggested time increment. The client user 400 submits payment for theadditional time utilizing one of the different payment mechanismssupported by the web site 100. The additional time is automaticallyadded to the amount of time remaining for the virtual consultation uponpurchase of the additional time. The GUI component 453 is adjusted toreflect the additional time purchased.

The GUI component 458 allows the client user 400 to make informeddecisions regarding whether to extend or conclude the virtualconsultation based on costs accrued in real-time. Allowing the clientuser 400 to directly manage the duration of the virtual consultationallows the client user 400 to directly control costs associated with theprofessional service requested.

In one embodiment, if the client user 400 concludes the virtualconsultation before the amount of time remaining for the virtualconsultation has run out, the client user 400 is provided a credit forthe unused amount of time remaining. For example, a portion of thepayment for the virtual consultation may be credited to the client user400. As another example, the client user 400 may opt to carryover theunused amount of time remaining to another virtual consultation.

In one embodiment, the service representative user 500 views, via thevirtual consultation GUI 550, a live stream of the client user 400, asshown in FIG. 11B. The live stream of the client user 400 may becaptured utilizing one or more sensors (e.g., a camera, a microphone,etc.) of the electronic device 300 of the client user 400. The livestream of the client user 400 comprises a live video stream of theclient user 400 and/or a live audio stream of the client user 400.Specifically, the GUI 550 comprises a sub-area 550A comprising a window551. The window 551 displays either a live video stream of the clientuser 400 or an image of the client user 400 (e.g., if only live audiostream is available/enabled).

In one embodiment, the sub-area 550A comprises a window 552 displayingeither an image of the service representative user 500 or a live videostream of the service representative user 500. The window 552 may besmaller in size than the window 551 (i.e., occupies a smaller area ofthe GUI 550). Further, live video stream displayed in the window 552 mayhave lower resolution quality than live video stream displayed in thewindow 551.

In one embodiment, the service representative user 500 views, via thevirtual consultation GUI 550, real-time data indicative of an amount oftime remaining for the virtual consultation. For example, as shown inFIG. 11B, the sub-area 550A comprises a GUI component 555 providing alive countdown. In one embodiment, the GUI component 555 is a countdowntimer. In another embodiment, the GUI component 555 is a color codedlight indicator configured to flash different colors when differentpredetermined thresholds are met. If the GUI component 555 indicates theamount of time remaining for the virtual consultation is running out(i.e., the virtual consultation will conclude soon), the servicerepresentative user 500 may prompt the client user 400 to either speedup/wrap up his/her discussion or purchase additional time to extend thevirtual consultation.

In one embodiment, the virtual consultation GUI 550 provides a servicerepresentative toolkit comprising different virtual tools the servicerepresentative user 500 may utilize to enhance his/her onlineengagement/collaboration with the client user 400. For example, as shownin FIG. 11B, the virtual consultation GUI 550 comprises a sub-area 550Bcomprising one or more selectable GUI components. Each selectable GUIcomponent of the sub-area 550B invokes a particular virtual tool whenselected.

In one embodiment, the sub-area 550B comprises a selectable GUIcomponent 553 labeled “Present Documents” the service representativeuser 500 may select to present one or more documents (e.g., image filessuch as JPEGs, text files such as Word documents, object files such asPDFs, etc.) to the client user 400. The documents presented may beviewed on the electronic device 300 of the client user 400 via the GUI450.

In one embodiment, the sub-area 550B comprises a selectable GUIcomponent 554 labeled “View Documents” the service representative user500 may select to view one or more documents (e.g., image files such asJPEGs, text files such as Word documents, object files such as PDFs,etc.) uploaded by the client user 400.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example ratings GUI 820, in accordance with anembodiment. In one embodiment, the web site generator 240 (FIG. 2 ) isconfigured to generate a ratings GUI 820 for display on an electronicdevice 300 (FIG. 1 ) of a user 50 (FIG. 1 ). The ratings GUI 820provides a rating tool the user 50 may use to rate and/or review his/herexperience with another user 50.

For example, if the user 50 is a client user 400 (FIG. 1 ), the clientuser 400 may provide a rating and/or a review indicative of clientsatisfaction with performance and/or experience of a servicerepresentative user 500 who performed a professional service requestedby the client user 400. If the user 50 is a service representative user500 (FIG. 1 ), the service representative user 500 may provide a ratingand/or a review indicative of ease of interaction/engagement with aclient user 400 the service representative user 500 performed aprofessional service for.

In one embodiment the client user 400 ratings may provide discounted feestructures for future professional service engagements. For example, aclient user 400 with a 5 star rating can obtain a ten percent (10%)discount on further services ordered from the same or other servicerepresentative users 500. A 4 star rating might command an eight percent(8%) discount, etc. Likewise, a service representative user 500 canobtain altered fees based on their rating. A higher rating will allowthe service representative user 500 to pre-set higher service fees tousers. Regardless of the fee application, the rating provides creditablyfor future engagements with both client users 400 and servicerepresentative users 500.

In one embodiment, the ratings GUI 820 may be displayed on an electronicdevice 300 of a client user 400 and/or on an electronic device 300 of aservice representative user 500 at the conclusion of a virtualconsultation between the client user 400 and the service representativeuser 500.

In one embodiment, the ratings GUI 820 prompts the user 50 to inputratings for different metrics. The different metrics may comprise, butare not limited to, at least one the following: ease of communication,clarity of response, timeliness of answers, professionalism, expertise,likelihood of recommendation, desire to engage again, costeffectiveness, overall experience. For example, as shown in FIG. 12 ,the ratings GUI 820 comprises multiple sets 821 of input fields forcollecting quantitative input. Each set 821 of input fields correspondsto a particular metric.

In one embodiment, the ratings GUI 820 comprises an input field 822 forcollecting qualitative input, such as comments including free form textfrom the user 50 (i.e., a comments section).

The ratings unit 296 (FIG. 2 ) is configured to: (1) determine rankingsfor different client users 400 based on ratings and/or reviews collectedfor the client users 400, and (2) determine rankings for differentservice representative users 500 based on ratings and/or reviewscollected for the service representative users 500. The higher a rankingaccorded to a particular user 50, the more likely the user 50 will beselected or approved for a live, virtual consultation. The rankingsallow for both client users 400 and service representative users 500 tomake educated and informed decisions before choosing a professional tohire, accepting an engagement request from a User and/or participatingin a live, virtual consultation.

FIG. 13A illustrates an example dashboard 770, in accordance with anembodiment. In one embodiment, in response to a request from a user 50to access a dashboard 770 for an online account, the dashboard generator270 is configured to generate the dashboard 770 for display on anelectronic device 300 of the user 50.

In one embodiment, the dashboard 770 comprises a sub-area 780 providingservice history information for the online account. The service historyinformation is retrieved from a database 237 (FIG. 3 ) corresponding tothe online account. For example, if the user 50 is a client user 400,the service history information comprises a listing of all professionalservices requested by the client user 400. If the user 50 is a servicerepresentative user 500, the service history information comprises alisting of all professional services assigned to/overseen by the servicerepresentative user 500. For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, the sub-area780 comprises one or more data rows 781. Each data row 781 correspondsto a particular professional service associated the online account. Eachdata row 781 comprises summarized information for a correspondingprofessional service. In one embodiment, the summarized information forthe corresponding professional service comprises, but is not limited to,at least one of the following: (1) a corresponding label/name for theprofessional service, (2) a corresponding identifier for theprofessional service, (3) corresponding filing/submission informationfor the professional service, if any (e.g., a timestamp indicating whena document prepared for the professional service was submitted/filed),and (4) corresponding status information indicative of a current statusof the professional service (e.g., completed, incomplete, etc.).

In one embodiment, a corresponding identifier for the professionalservice is automatically generated by the web site 100.

In one embodiment, the sub-area 780 comprises, for each professionalservice listed, a corresponding GUI element 785 indicating a currentstatus of the professional service. As shown in FIG. 13A, the GUIelement 785 may be a color coded indicator that may be set to one ofmultiple colors based on the current status of the professional service.For example, the indicator is set to a first color (e.g., red) if theprofessional service has not yet been completed, and set to a secondcolor (e.g., green) if the professional service has been completed.

In one embodiment, the dashboard generator 270 is configured tointerface and exchange data with a third-party entity (e.g., the USPTO)to push/pull notifications of status changes for one or more of theprofessional services listed.

In one embodiment, the dashboard 770 comprises a selectable GUIcomponent 792 providing a legend for the color coded indicator.

In one embodiment, the dashboard 770 comprises a selectable GUIcomponent 791 the user 50 may select to export the service historyinformation to a document file (e.g., a tab delimited text file, a CSVor comma delimited text file, etc.).

In one embodiment, the sub-area 780 comprises, for each professionalservice listed, a selectable GUI component 782 the user 50 may select toview detailed information for the professional service (e.g., documentsprepared and/or submitted for the professional service, virtualconsultation information indicative of a virtual consultation scheduled,etc.).

In one embodiment, the sub-area 780 comprises, for each professionalservice listed, a selectable GUI component 783 the user 50 may select tosend a communication (e.g., an e-mail, a SMS, a message, a text, adocument file, and a push/pull notification) relevant to theprofessional service. For example, if the user 50 is a client user 400,the client user 400 may utilize the GUI component 783 to send acommunication to a service representative user 500 assigned to/handlingthe professional service (e.g., an inquiry communication). If the user50 is a service representative user 500, the service representative user500 may utilize the GUI component 783 to send a communication to aclient user 400 who requested the professional service (e.g., a statusupdate communication).

In one embodiment, for each professional service listed, the dashboard770 allows a user 50 to enable automatic status update communicationsfor the professional service. When the system 200 receives anotification indicting a change in status for the professional service(e.g., a notification from the USPTO indicating change in status of afiled trademark application), the system 200 automatically generates andsends a pre-formatted status update communication to the client user 400and/or the service representative user 500 advising of the statuschange.

In one embodiment, the sub-area 780 comprises, for each professionalservice listed that is incomplete, a selectable GUI component 784 theuser 50 may select to delete the request for the professional servicefrom the service history information.

In one embodiment, the dashboard 770 comprises a sub-area 771 providinga filter tool for filtering the service history information. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 13A, the sub-area 771 comprises differentinput fields the user 50 may interact with to specify/select acombination of different filters for filtering the service historyinformation. In one embodiment, the sub-area 771 comprises a set ofinput fields 772 (e.g., date pickers) the user 50 may interact with tospecify a date range for filtering the service history information. Inone embodiment, the sub-area 771 comprises an input field 773 the user50 may interact with to select a status the service history informationshould be filtered based on (e.g., filter the service historyinformation to only show professional services with status “complete”,etc.). In one embodiment, the sub-area 771 comprises an input field 774the user 50 may interact with to select a label/name the service historyinformation should be filtered based on (e.g., filter the servicehistory information to only show professional services with a label/namebeginning with the letter ‘A’, etc.).

The sub-area 771 comprises a selectable GUI component 775 the user 50may select to filter the service history information based on thefilters specified/selected. The service history information displayed inthe sub-area 780 is updated to display only professional services thatsatisfy the filters specified/selected. The sub-area 771 comprises aselectable GUI component 776 the user 50 may select to clear each filterspecified/selected and restore any filtered version of the servicehistory information shown in the sub-area 780 to the original,unfiltered version.

In one embodiment, the sub-area 771 provides a search tool for searchingthe service history information. For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, thesub-area 771 comprises an input field 777 the user 50 may use to specifyone or more search terms/parameters. The sub-area 771 comprises aselectable GUI component 778 the user 50 may select to search theservice history information based on the search terms/parametersspecified. The service history information displayed in the sub-area 780is updated to display only professional services that satisfy the searchterms/parameters specified.

In one embodiment, the dashboard 770 comprises a selectable GUIcomponent 794 the user 50 may select to view and update accountinformation for the online account. The account information comprises,but is not limited to, contact information, payment history information,and user preferences such as preferred electronic delivery method,preferred payment method, etc.

In one embodiment, the dashboard 770 comprises a sub-area 790 providingstatistical information for the online account. In one embodiment, thestatistical information is indicative of statistics associated with theservice history information (e.g., total number of professional servicesrequested in a given time period, total number of professional servicescompleted, etc.).

In one embodiment, the dashboard 770 comprises a selectable GUIcomponent 793 the user 50 may select to resume an incomplete request(i.e., a professional service with an incomplete status). Upon selectionof the GUI component 793, a pop-up window 1000 (FIG. 13D) listing eachprofessional service that has not yet been completed is presented to theuser 50. The user 50 may select a professional service from the pop-upwindow 1000 to resume working on the professional service (e.g.,completing a questionnaire, submitting payment information, etc.).

In one embodiment, the dashboard 770 comprises a selectable GUIcomponent 795 the user 50 may select to initiate a new request for aprofessional service. Upon selection of the GUI component 795, the user50 may be directed to a questionnaire GUI (e.g., questionnaire GUI 730in FIG. 8A) comprising a questionnaire for the new request.

In one embodiment, the dashboard 770 allows a service representativeuser 500 to manage a portfolio of professional services assignedto/overseen by the service representative user 500. A servicerepresentative user 500 may add a new professional service to thedashboard 700 by uploading a document file (e.g., a PDF file) for theprofessional service or providing data for retrieving informationrelating to the professional service from a third-party entity (e.g.,providing a filing/application number or a link to information relatingto the professional service, and retrieving the information utilizingthe number or link provided).

In one embodiment, the dashboard 770 allows a service representativeuser 500 to customize a questionnaire for a specific client user 400.The client user 400 may access the customized questionnaire via adashboard 271 for his/her online account.

FIGS. 13B-13C illustrates other example dashboards 800 and 805, inaccordance with an embodiment. Assume the web site 100 offers preparingand filing a trademark application as a service. Each dashboard 800, 805provides service history information indicative of different trademarkapplications associated with an online account. Each dashboard 800, 805tracks a status of each trademark application associated with the onlineaccount.

As shown in FIGS. 13B-13C, each trademark application has acorresponding label (referenced as “TM Application Name”) identifying amark that is the subject of the trademark application, a correspondingidentifier (referenced as “Matter Number” or “Confirmation Number”)identifying a unique matter/docket/confirmation number assigned to thetrademark application, corresponding date information (referenced as“Date Submitted”) comprising a timestamp indicating when the trademarkapplication was submitted to the USPTO, and corresponding statusinformation (referenced as “Status”) indicative of a current status ofthe trademark application.

In one embodiment, a current status of a trademark application may beone of the following: (1) incomplete (e.g., questionnaire has not beencompleted), (2) payment pending (i.e., awaiting payment of fees forpreparing and filing the trademark application), (3) payment received,paralegal review pending (i.e., questionnaire pending an audit by aparalegal), (4) paralegal reviewed, consultation with attorney pending(i.e., scheduling of a virtual consultation with an attorney pending),(5) consultation with attorney scheduled (i.e., virtual consultationwith an attorney scheduled), (6) attorney reviewed, client approvalpending (i.e., attorney has reviewed a TAC document prepared for thetrademark application, client approval of the document pending), (7)client approved, filing of the trademark application pending (i.e.,client approved the TAC document, and filing of the trademarkapplication with the USPTO is pending), (8) trademark applicationsubmitted (i.e., submitted to the USPTO), and (9) USPTO statusmonitoring (i.e., on receipt of a status update from the USPTO for thetrademark application, the paralegal/attorney will communicate thestatus update to the client). Each status has a corresponding color thata color coded indicator is set to.

For each trademark application listed, a user 50 may view each document(e.g., a trademark application confirmation document) prepared for thetrademark application by selecting a selectable GUI component labeled as“View TAC” or “View”. In one embodiment, a user 50 may also viewassociated documents such as trademark specimens, office actionresponses or even recorded video consultations from a case related menu.

As shown in FIG. 13B, the dashboard 800 provides statistical informationfor the online account. For example, if the user 50 is a servicerepresentative user 500, the statistical information comprises, but isnot limited to, at least one of the following: a total number ofincomplete trademark applications in a current month, a total number oftrademark applications paid in the current month, a total number ofclient users 400 the service representative user 500 is overseeingtrademark applications for, and a total amount of sales in the currentmonth.

If the user 50 is a client user 400, the dashboard 800 allows the clientuser 400 to complete each incomplete trademark application listed andcheck a status of each completed trademark application listed.

FIG. 13D illustrates an example pop-up window 1000, in accordance withan embodiment. In one embodiment, in response to a request by a user 50to resume an incomplete request (e.g., selection of GUI component 793 inFIG. 13A), the web site generator 240 (FIG. 2 ) generates a pop-upwindow 1000 for display on an electronic device 300 (FIG. 1 ) of theuser 50.

In one embodiment, the pop-up window 1000 comprises a sub-area 1001providing a list of one or more professional services that have not yetbeen completed. Each professional service has a corresponding selectableGUI component 1002 the user 50 may select to resume working on theprofessional service (e.g., completing a questionnaire, submittingpayment information, etc.).

FIG. 14A illustrates an example detailed information GUI 830, inaccordance with an embodiment. In one embodiment, in response to arequest from a user 50 (FIG. 1 ) to view detailed information for aprofessional service associated with an online account (e.g., selectionof GUI component 782 in FIG. 13A), the web site generator 240 (FIG. 2 )is configured to generate the detailed information GUI 830 for displayon an electronic device 300 (FIG. 1 ) of the user 50.

In one embodiment, the detailed information GUI 830 comprises a sub-area831 providing the detailed information for the professional service. Thedetailed information for the professional service comprises, but is notlimited to, at least one of the following: (1) a correspondinglabel/name for the professional service, (2) a corresponding identifierfor the professional service, (3) corresponding filing/submissioninformation for the professional service, if any (e.g., a timestampindicating when a document prepared for the professional service wassubmitted, a confirmation/filing number, etc.), (4) corresponding statusinformation indicative of a current status of the professional service(e.g., completed, incomplete, etc.), (5) corresponding virtualconsultation information indicative of a virtual consultation scheduled,if any (e.g., date and time of the virtual consultation), (6)corresponding contact information indicative of where communications(e.g., status updates) relevant to the professional service should beforwarded to, (7) corresponding payment transaction record indicative ofa payment received for fees for the professional service (e.g., amountof fees paid, payment method and information used, etc.), (8) allcorresponding documents prepared and/or submitted for the professionalservice, (9) corresponding revision history information listing eachrevision/edit made to each corresponding document prepared and/orsubmitted for the professional service, (10) communication historyindicative of all communications sent/received pertaining to theprofessional service (e.g., notifications, etc.), and (11) userresponses to a questionnaire generated for the professional service.

In one embodiment, the sub-area 831 comprises one or more input fields832 the user 50 may interact with to provide one or more changes to thedetailed information for the professional service (e.g., an input fieldfor updating the corresponding contact information, a date picker and atime picker for re-scheduling the virtual consultation, etc.). Thesub-area 831 comprises a selectable GUI component 833 the user 50 mayselect to confirm the changes provided. In response to the user 50selecting the GUI component 833, the detailed information is updated toincorporate the changes provided.

In one embodiment, the detailed information GUI 830 comprises a sub-area836 providing the corresponding revision history information for theprofessional service. The revision history information is retrieved froma database 236 (FIG. 3 ) corresponding to the online account. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 14A, the sub-area 836 comprises one or moredata rows 837 providing a trail of revisions/edits made to documentsprepared and/or submitted for the professional service. Each data row837 corresponds to a revision/edit made to a corresponding documentprepared and/or submitted for the professional service. Each data row837 comprises revision information indicative of a correspondingrevision/edit made to a corresponding document. In one embodiment, therevision information comprises, but is not limited to, at least one ofthe following: a user identifier indicating a user 50 who made thecorresponding revision/edit, and a timestamp indicating when therevision/edit was made.

In one embodiment, the sub-area 836 comprises, for each revision/editlisted, a selectable GUI component 838 the user 50 may select to view atime-stamped report/work piece (e.g., a PDF file) for a correspondingdocument. The time-stamped report/work piece incorporates therevision/edit. In one embodiment, the sub-area 836 comprises, for eachrevision/edit listed, a selectable GUI component 839 the user 50 mayselect to download the time-stamped report/work piece. In oneembodiment, the time-stamped report/work piece highlights therevision/edit for ease of user review.

In one embodiment, the detailed information GUI 830 comprises aselectable GUI component 834 the user 50 may select to return to adashboard 271 for the online account.

In one embodiment, the detailed information GUI 830 comprises aselectable GUI component 835 the user 50 may select to generate anddownload a compressed file (e.g., a ZIP file) comprising each documentprepared and/or submitted for the professional service.

FIG. 14B illustrates another example detailed information GUI 850, inaccordance with an embodiment. In one embodiment, the web site 100 (FIG.1 ) offers preparing and filing a trademark application for a desiredmark with the USPTO as a professional service. In response to a requestfrom a user 50 to view detailed information for a particular trademarkapplication, the web site generator 240 (FIG. 2 ) is configured togenerate a detailed information GUI 850 providing the detailedinformation for the trademark application.

FIG. 15A illustrates an example account details GUI 510, in accordancewith an embodiment. In one embodiment, in response to a request from auser 50 (FIG. 1 ) to view account details for an online account the user50 is associated with (e.g., selection of GUI component 794 in FIG.13A), the web site generator 240 (FIG. 2 ) is configured to generate theaccount details GUI 510 for display on an electronic device 300 (FIG. 1) of the user 50.

In one embodiment, the account details GUI 510 comprises a sub-area 511providing account information for the online account. The accountinformation may comprise, but is not limited to, at least one of thefollowing: authentication credentials for the online account (e.g., ausername/e-mail address and a password), and user information of theuser 50 (e.g., full name, etc.). The sub-area 511 comprises a selectableGUI component 513 the user 50 may select to edit one or more inputfields 512 of the sub-area 511 that is populated with the accountinformation.

In one embodiment, the account details GUI 510 comprises a sub-area 514providing payment history information for the online account. Thepayment history information is retrieved from a database 238 (FIG. 3 )corresponding to the online account. The payment history information isindicative of all payments of fees received for all professionalservices associated with the online account. If the user 50 is a clientuser 400, the payment history information comprises a paymenttransaction record for each payment of fees made by the client user 400for each professional service requested by the client user 400. Thesub-area 514 comprises, for each payment of fees, a correspondingselectable GUI component 515 the user 50 may select to view a paymenttransaction record for the payment.

In one embodiment, the account details GUI 510 comprises a sub-area 516providing stored contact information for the user 50. The stored contactinformation is retrieved from a database 234 (FIG. 3 ) corresponding tothe user 50. The stored contact information comprises one or more datarows 517. Each data row 517 corresponds to a contact saved by the user50. Each data row 517 comprises information for a corresponding contact.The information for the corresponding contact may comprise, but is notlimited to, a corresponding name of the contact, a corresponding addressfor the contact (e.g., home address, business address, etc.), acorresponding telephone number for the contact (e.g., home phone number,office phone number, mobile phone number, etc), a corresponding e-mailaddress for the contact (e.g., personal e-mail address, business e-mailaddress, etc.), etc. The sub-area 516 comprises, for each contact, acorresponding selectable GUI component 518 the user 50 may select toview and edit the information for the contact. The sub-area 516comprises, for each contact, a corresponding selectable GUI component519 the user 50 may select to delete the contact from the stored contactinformation.

The sub-area 516 comprises a selectable GUI component 520 the user 50may select to add and save a new contact. In one embodiment, the user 50may import information for the new contact stored on the electronicdevice 300 or manually enter the information for the new contact.

FIG. 15B illustrates another example account details GUI 530, inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 900 for processinga login request, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Inprocess block 901, receive a request to login to an online account. Inprocess block 902, display a graphical user interface (GUI) forcollecting login information for the online account. In process block903, receive the login information and a selection of a functionality.In process block 904, verify the login information againstauthentication credentials maintained for the online account. In processblock 905, upon successful verification of the login formation, displaya different GUI providing the selected functionality.

For example, if the selected functionality comprises a request for aprofessional service, a questionnaire GUI (e.g., questionnaire GUI 730)is displayed. As another example, if the selected functionalitycomprises a request to access a dashboard for the online account, adashboard (e.g., dashboard 770) for the online account is displayed.

In one embodiment, the system 200 utilizes the I/O processor 250, theweb site generator 240, and the account manager 260 to perform processblocks 901-905.

FIG. 17 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 910 for processinga request for a professional service, in accordance with an embodimentof the invention. In process block 911, receive a request for aprofessional service. In process block 912, generate and display aquestionnaire based on the professional service requested. In processblock 913, adapt the questionnaire displayed based on one or moreresponses to one or more questions of the questionnaire. In processblock 914, determine whether the questionnaire has been completed. Ifthe questionnaire has not been completed, return to process block 914.

If the questionnaire has been completed, proceed to process block 915 todisplay a graphical user interface (GUI) that facilitates payment offees for the professional service requested. In process block 916, inresponse to receiving the payment, submit the completed questionnairefor auditing.

In one embodiment, the system 200 utilizes at least the I/O processor250, the web site generator 240, the account manager 260, thequestionnaire generator 255, and the payment generator 290 to performprocess blocks 911-916.

FIG. 18 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 920 for processinga request to access a dashboard for an online account, in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. In process block 921, receive arequest to access a dashboard for an online account. In process block922, generate and display the dashboard. In process block 923, receive aselection of a functionality offered by the dashboard.

If the selected functionality is resuming an incomplete request, proceedto process block 924 to display a GUI allowing a user of the onlineaccount to pick up and resume completing the request from where the userlast left off.

If the selected functionality is viewing a completed request, proceed toprocess block 925 to display a GUI providing detailed information forthe request, including a current status of the request.

If the selected functionality is sending a communication relevant to arequest, proceed to process block 926 to send the communication based oncontact information specified by the user.

If the selected functionality is viewing account details for the onlineaccount, proceed to process block 927 to display a GUI providing theaccount details.

If the selected functionality is initiating a new request for aprofessional service, proceed to process block 928 to display a GUIproviding a questionnaire for the professional service.

If the selected functionality is exporting service history information,proceed to process block 929 to generate a document file comprising theservice history information for download.

If the selected functionality is searching service history information,proceed to process block 930 to update the service history informationdisplayed by the dashboard based on one or more search terms specifiedby the user.

If the selected functionality is filtering service history information,proceed to process block 931 to update the service history informationdisplayed by the dashboard based on one or more filters specified by theuser.

In one embodiment, the system 200 utilizes at least the I/O processor250, the web site generator 240, the account manager 260, thequestionnaire generator 255, and the dashboard generator 270 to performprocess blocks 921-931.

FIG. 19 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 940 for processinga request to prepare and file a trademark application, in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. In process block 941, receive arequest from a client to prepare and file a trademark application. Inprocess block 942, provide the client with a trademark questionnaire tocomplete. In process block 943, in response to receiving the completedtrademark questionnaire from the client, request a payment of fees forpreparing and filing a trademark application from the client. In processblock 944, in response to receiving the payment of fees from the client,prepare a trademark application confirmation (TAC) document based on thecompleted trademark questionnaire, and forward the TAC document to aparalegal for review. In process block 945, determine whether the clientrequested a virtual consultation with an attorney. If the client did notrequest a virtual consultation, proceed to process block 947. If theclient requested a virtual consultation, proceed to process block 946 toschedule a virtual consultation between the client and the attorney, andthen proceed to process block 947.

In process block 947, forward the reviewed TAC document from theparalegal to the attorney for review. In process block 948, forward thereviewed TAC document from the attorney to the client for clientapproval. In process block 949, in response to receiving client approvalof the TAC document, prepare a trademark application for filing based onthe TAC document. In process block 950, file the trademark applicationwith the United Stated Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). In processblock 951, monitor status of the filed trademark application at USPTO,and provide the client with status updates of the filed trademarkapplication.

In one embodiment, the system 200 utilizes at least the I/O processor250, the web site generator 240, the account manager 260, thequestionnaire generator 255, the payment generator 290, the dashboardgenerator 270, the auditing unit 245, and the virtual consultation unit280 to perform process blocks 941-951.

FIG. 20 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 960 for adapting aquestionnaire to collect information for preparing and filing atrademark application, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. In process block 961, present a question inquiring atrademark a client (e.g., a client user 400) would like to register. Inprocess block 962, present a question inquiring a type of the trademark(i.e., whether the trademark is a standard character mark or adesign/stylized mark). If the trademark is a standard character mark,proceed to process block 963. In process block 963, present a questionrequesting the client to confirm the trademark, then proceed to processblock 967.

If the trademark is a design/stylized mark, proceed to process block964. In process block 964, present a question requesting the client toupload an image of the mark. In process block 965, present a questioninquiring whether there are any words, letters, numbers, or colors inthe mark to protect. In process block 966, present a question requestingthe client to provide a description of the mark, then proceed to processblock 967.

In process block 967, present a question requesting the client to selecta class of goods or services for the trademark. In process block 968,present a question inquiring whether the trademark is in use for theselected class. If the trademark is not in use for the selected class,proceed to process block 973.

If the trademark is in use for the selected class, proceed to processblock 969. In process block 969, present a question requesting a list ofgoods/services in the selected class the client is currently applyingthe trademark. In process block 970, for the goods/services listed,present a question inquiring earliest date of use of the trademarkanywhere. In process block 971, for the goods/services listed, present aquestion inquiring earliest date of use of the trademark in multiplestates or internationally. In process block 972, present a questionrequesting images showing the mark used in association with the selectedclass, then proceed to process block 973.

In process block 973, obtain a listing of specific goods/service in theselected class the client intends on selling in the future. In processblock 974, present a question inquiring whether the client would like toadd an additional class of goods or services for the trademark. If theclient would like to add an additional class of goods or services,return to process block 967. If the client would not like to add anadditional class of goods or services, proceed to process block 975.

In process block 975, present a question inquiring whether the mark hasbeen previously applied for or registered in the US or internationally.If the mark has been previously applied for or registered in the US orinternationally, proceed to process block 976. In process block 976,present a question requesting the client to provide filing orregistration information for the mark, then proceed to process block977. If the mark has not been previously applied for or registered inthe US or internationally, proceed to process block 977.

In process block 977, present a question inquiring whether the trademarkis a transliteration. If the trademark is a transliteration, proceed toprocess block 978. In process block 978, present a question requestingthe client to provide pronunciation information for the mark, thenproceed to process block 979. If the trademark is not a transliteration,proceed to process block 979.

In process block 979, present a question inquiring whether the trademarkis a translation. If the trademark is a translation, proceed to processblock 980. In process block 980, present a question requesting theclient to provide a meaning of the mark in English, then proceed toprocess block 981. If the trademark is not a translation, proceed toprocess block 981.

In process block 981, present a question inquiring whether the trademarkis a name, portrait, or signature of an individual. If the trademark isa name, portrait, or signature of an individual, proceed to processblock 982. In process block 982, present a question requesting theclient to provide identification information of the individual, thenproceed to process block 983. If the trademark is not a name, portrait,or signature of an individual, proceed to process block 983.

In process block 983, present a questing inquiring whether there are anyadditional questions/information for an attorney to review. If there areany additional questions/information for an attorney to review, proceedto process block 984. In process block 984, present a questionrequesting the client to provide the additional questions/information,then proceed to process block 985. If there are no additionalquestions/information for an attorney to review, proceed to processblock 985.

In process block 985, present a question requesting the client to selecta type of entity that owns the trademark. In process block 986, presenta question inquiring whether the client would like to use stored ownerinformation to provide as owner information for the trademark. If theclient would like to use stored owner information, proceed to processblock 987. In process block 987, present a question requesting theclient to select stored owner information the client would like toprovide as owner information for the trademark, then proceed to processblock 994. If the client would not like to use stored owner information,proceed to process block 988.

In process block 988, present a question requesting the client toprovide a legal name of the entity. In process block 989, present aquestion requesting the client to provide citizenship, incorporation, orother information indicative of a state or country where the entity islegally organized. In process block 990, present a question requestingthe client to list name and citizenship of all general partners/activemembers/individuals/trustees/executors for the entity. In process block991, present a question inquiring whether the entity is a DBA/AKA/TA. Ifthe entity is a DBA/AKA/TA, proceed to process block 992. In processblock 992, present a question requesting the client to provideDBA/AKA/TA information, then proceed to process block 993. If the entityis not a DBA/AKA/TA, proceed to process block 993.

In process block 993, present a question requesting the client toprovide contact information for the entity (e.g., entity address, phone,web site address, etc.). In process block 994, present a questioninquiring whether the client would like to add an additional owner forthe trademark. If the client would like to add an additional owner forthe trademark, return to process block 985. If the client would not liketo add an additional owner for the trademark, proceed to process block995 where the questionnaire ends.

In one embodiment, the system 200 utilizes at least the I/O processor250, the web site generator 240, the account manager 260, thequestionnaire generator 255, and the auditing unit 245 to performprocess blocks 961-995.

FIG. 21 is a high-level block diagram showing an information processingsystem comprising a computer system 600 useful for implementing thedisclosed embodiments. The computer system 600 includes one or moreprocessors 601, and can further include an electronic display device 602(for displaying video, graphics, text, and other data), a main memory603 (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), storage device 604 (e.g., harddisk drive), removable storage device 605 (e.g., removable storagedrive, removable memory module, a magnetic tape drive, optical diskdrive, computer readable medium having stored therein computer softwareand/or data), user interface device 606 (e.g., keyboard, touch screen,keypad, pointing device), and a communication interface 607 (e.g.,modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communicationsport, or a PCMCIA slot and card). The main memory 603 may storeinstructions that when executed by the one or more processors 601 causethe one or more processors 601 to perform process blocks 901-904 of theprocess 900.

The communication interface 607 allows software and data to betransferred between the computer system and external devices. The system600 further includes a communications infrastructure 608 (e.g., acommunications bus, cross-over bar, or network) to which theaforementioned devices/modules 601 through 607 are connected.

Information transferred via communications interface 607 may be in theform of signals such as electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or othersignals capable of being received by communications interface 607, via acommunication link that carries signals and may be implemented usingwire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, anradio frequency (RF) link, and/or other communication channels. Computerprogram instructions representing the block diagram and/or flowchartsherein may be loaded onto a computer, programmable data processingapparatus, or processing devices to cause a series of operationsperformed thereon to produce a computer implemented process. In oneembodiment, processing instructions for process 900 (FIG. 12 ) andprocess 950 (FIG. 13 ) may be stored as program instructions on thememory 603, storage device 604 and the removable storage device 605 forexecution by the processor 601.

Embodiments have been described with reference to flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) andcomputer program products. Each block of such illustrations/diagrams, orcombinations thereof, can be implemented by computer programinstructions. The computer program instructions when provided to aprocessor produce a machine, such that the instructions, which executevia the processor create means for implementing the functions/operationsspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram. Each block in theflowchart/block diagrams may represent a hardware and/or software moduleor logic. In alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures, concurrently,etc.

The terms “computer program medium,” “computer usable medium,” “computerreadable medium”, and “computer program product,” are used to generallyrefer to media such as main memory, secondary memory, removable storagedrive, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive, and signals. Thesecomputer program products are means for providing software to thecomputer system. The computer readable medium allows the computer systemto read data, instructions, messages or message packets, and othercomputer readable information from the computer readable medium. Thecomputer readable medium, for example, may include non-volatile memory,such as a floppy disk, ROM, flash memory, disk drive memory, a CD-ROM,and other permanent storage. It is useful, for example, for transportinginformation, such as data and computer instructions, between computersystems. Computer program instructions may be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of theembodiments may be embodied as a system, method or computer programproduct. Accordingly, aspects of the embodiments may take the form of anentirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects that may all generally bereferred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore,aspects of the embodiments may take the form of a computer programproduct embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) havingcomputer readable program code embodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may beutilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readablestorage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example,but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitablecombination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustivelist) of the computer readable storage medium would include thefollowing: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-onlymemory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device,or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of thisdocument, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible mediumthat can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of one ormore embodiments may be written in any combination of one or moreprogramming languages, including an object oriented programming languagesuch as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages. The program code may execute entirely on theuser's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latterscenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computerthrough any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or awide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an externalcomputer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet ServiceProvider).

Aspects of one or more embodiments are described above with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products. It will be understood that eachblock of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, andcombinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or blockdiagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. Thesecomputer program instructions may be provided to a special purposecomputer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce amachine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor ofthe computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, createmeans for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchartand/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other devices to produce a computerimplemented process such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer or other programmable apparatus provide processes forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or blockdiagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions,which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing thespecified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, thefunctions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in thefigures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, beexecuted substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes beexecuted in the reverse order, depending upon the functionalityinvolved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagramsand/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the blockdiagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by specialpurpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions oracts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

References in the claims to an element in the singular is not intendedto mean “one and only” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one ormore.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of theabove-described exemplary embodiment that are currently known or latercome to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended tobe encompassed by the present claims. No claim element herein is to beconstrued under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. section 112, sixthparagraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase“means for” or “step for.”

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the embodiments has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Though the embodiments have been described with reference to certainversions thereof, however, other versions are possible. Therefore, thespirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to thedescription of the preferred versions contained herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: obtaining one or moreratings for a user, wherein the one or more ratings are indicative ofease of interaction with the user during one or more prior virtualconsultations involving the user; receiving a request from the user fora new virtual consultation; customizing a cost structure for the newvirtual consultation based on the one or more ratings, wherein thecustomized cost structure comprises different rates corresponding todifferent amounts of time available for the new virtual consultation;providing, via a graphical user interface (GUI), the customized coststructure for display on an electronic device; and scheduling the newvirtual consultation in response to receiving confirmation ofpre-payment of fees for the virtual consultation, wherein a length oftime of the virtual consultation is set to one of the different amountsof time selected by the user via the GUI.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein customizing a cost structure for the new virtual consultationbased on the one or more ratings comprises: selectively discounting thedifferent rates based on the one or more ratings.
 3. The method of claim1, further comprising: collecting the one or more ratings from one ormore professional service representatives who interacted with the userduring the one or more prior virtual consultations.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: obtaining at least one additional ratingfor at least one professional service representative, wherein the atleast one additional rating is indicative of ease of interaction withthe at least one professional service representative during at least oneprior virtual consultation involving the at least one professionalservice representative.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:collecting the at least one additional rating from at least one user whointeracted with the at least one professional service representativeduring the at least one prior virtual consultation.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the customized cost structure is further based on theat least one additional rating.
 7. The method of claim 4, wherein eachrating corresponds to one of the following metrics: ease ofcommunication, clarity of response, timeliness of answers,professionalism, expertise, likelihood of recommending, desire tointeract with again, cost effectiveness, overall experience.
 8. A systemcomprising: at least one processor; and a non-transitoryprocessor-readable memory device storing instructions that when executedby the at least one processor causes the at least one processor toperform operations including: obtaining one or more ratings for a user,wherein the one or more ratings are indicative of ease of interactionwith the user during one or more prior virtual consultations involvingthe user; receiving a request from the user for a new virtualconsultation; customizing a cost structure for the new virtualconsultation based on the one or more ratings, wherein the customizedcost structure comprises different rates corresponding to differentamounts of time available for the new virtual consultation; providing,via a graphical user interface (GUI), the customized cost structure fordisplay on an electronic device; and scheduling the new virtualconsultation in response to receiving confirmation of pre-payment offees for the virtual consultation, wherein a length of time of thevirtual consultation is set to one of the different amounts of timeselected by the user via the GUI.
 9. The system of claim 8, whereincustomizing a cost structure for the new virtual consultation based onthe one or more ratings comprises: selectively discounting the differentrates based on the one or more ratings.
 10. The system of claim 8,wherein the operations further comprise: collecting the one or moreratings from one or more professional service representatives whointeracted with the user during the one or more prior virtualconsultations.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the operations furthercomprise: obtaining at least one additional rating for at least oneprofessional service representative, wherein the at least one additionalrating is indicative of ease of interaction with the at least oneprofessional service representative during at least one prior virtualconsultation involving the at least one professional servicerepresentative.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the operationsfurther comprise: collecting the at least one additional rating from atleast one user who interacted with the at least one professional servicerepresentative during the at least one prior virtual consultation. 13.The system of claim 12, where the customized cost structure is furtherbased on the at least one additional rating.
 14. The system of claim 11,wherein each rating corresponds to one of the following metrics: ease ofcommunication, clarity of response, timeliness of answers,professionalism, expertise, likelihood of recommending, desire tointeract with again, cost effectiveness, overall experience.
 15. Acomputer program product comprising a computer readable storage mediumhaving program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructionsexecutable by a processor to cause the processor to: obtain one or moreratings for a user, wherein the one or more ratings are indicative ofease of interaction with the user during one or more prior virtualconsultations involving the user; receive a request from the user for anew virtual consultation; customize a cost structure for the new virtualconsultation based on the one or more ratings, wherein the customizedcost structure comprises different rates corresponding to differentamounts of time available for the new virtual consultation; provide, viaa graphical user interface (GUI), the customized cost structure fordisplay on an electronic device; and schedule the new virtualconsultation in response to receiving confirmation of pre-payment offees for the virtual consultation, wherein a length of time of thevirtual consultation is set to one of the different amounts of timeselected by the user via the GUI.
 16. The computer program product ofclaim 15, wherein the processor customizes a cost structure for the newvirtual consultation based on the one or more ratings by: selectivelydiscounting the different rates based on the one or more ratings. 17.The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the programinstructions executable by the processor further cause the processor to:collect the one or more ratings from one or more professional servicerepresentatives who interacted with the user during the one or moreprior virtual consultations.
 18. The computer program product of claim15, wherein the program instructions executable by the processor furthercause the processor to: obtain at least one additional rating for atleast one professional service representative, wherein the at least oneadditional rating is indicative of ease of interaction with the at leastone professional service representative during at least one priorvirtual consultation involving the at least one professional servicerepresentative.
 19. The computer program product of claim 18, whereinthe program instructions executable by the processor further cause theprocessor to: collect the at least one additional rating from at leastone user who interacted with the at least one professional servicerepresentative during the at least one prior virtual consultation. 20.The computer program product of claim 19, where the customized coststructure is further based on the at least one additional rating.